A colposcopy carries a slight risk of infection or significant bleeding. Patients should contact a physician if they experience the following:

• Signs and symptoms of an infection. These include fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius) or higher, foul-smelling vaginal odor or thick, yellowish vaginal discharge.
  
  
• Excessive vaginal bleeding. This is indicated if a sanitary pad is soaked within an hour over a period of four or more hours.
  
  
• Severe pelvic or abdominal pain. Although this symptom is rare, patients who experience it should seek immediate emergency care.
  
  
• Allergic reaction to iodine, latex or other materials used during the colposcopy.