Private colposcopy in London  

The cost of our colposcopy packages can be found here.

It’s likely that your gynaecologist will advise a colposcopy if you have an abnormal smear test; the procedure is also common if you’re experiencing symptoms such as unexplained bleeding after sex, bleeding between periods or pelvic pain.

Your appointment for a private colposcopy in London includes a detailed consultation with your chosen gynaecologist, followed by the procedure, which lasts between 10 and 20 minutes. Your gynaecologist will gently insert a speculum into the vagina to reveal the cervix. They will then view your cervix using a colposcope – a binocular-like instrument that stays outside your vagina, but provides a brightly-lit, magnified view of your cervix.

They then paint your cervix with acetic acid (white vinegar), which may sound unusual, but again should be painless. It just highlights any area containing abnormal cells. Sometimes an iodine stain is also applied to further identify any abnormal cells, as, unlike healthy cells, these do not stain brown.

These procedures allow us to grade the appearance of your cervix and recommend the right treatment. A nurse is always present during a colposcopy to support you, as well as to provide assistance. 

In some cases, your gynaecologist may have to take a small sample to be sent to the laboratory for analysis (biopsy) and they will explain if this is the case. They will then discuss any treatment that you may need. 

Having a colposcopy is a similar experience to having a cervical smear. You may experience a little discomfort, but the procedure should not hurt. We may suggest taking an over-the-counter painkiller, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, an hour beforehand, which can help with any sensitivity. 

A colposcopy examination allows your gynaecologist to examine your cervix, vagina and vulva close up, using a special microscope called a colposcope. It can be performed in our clinic, and it doesn’t take long – plus, there’s no recovery time, so you can go about your day as normal once your appointment is finished.

Your Consultant Gynaecologist will explain all the colposcopy results during your examination. If you have any tests done, such as a cervical smear, a biopsy or swab, the results will be sent to you within a few days, or we will arrange a follow-up appointment to discuss the results. You can phone the clinic at any time if you have any questions or worries.

If your cervix looks normal, you may require no further treatment other than a cervical smear, or swabs to check for infection or the presence of high-risk human papilloma viruses (HPV).

If the colposcopy returns an abnormal result you will need further treatment. Your gynaecologist will want to take a sample (biopsy) of any abnormal areas to send to a laboratory for examination. If this procedure is necessary your cervix will be numbed with a local anaesthetic to avoid any discomfort. 

Sometimes, your gynaecologist may need to remove a larger area of cells using a treatment known as LLETZ (Large Loop Excision of Transformation Zone). This is often performed under local anaesthetic, where a small wire loop is used to cut out any affected tissue. The wound is sealed immediately afterwards with the same loop. As affected cells are removed rather than destroyed, they can be sent away for further examination, as a way of identifying whether there are any potentially harmful cells remaining on your cervix.

LLETZ can cause a cramping sensation, like period cramps, but there should be no sharp pain. The procedure usually takes no more than twenty minutes, and you should be able to go about your day as normal afterwards.

Your gynaecologist may apply a yellow-brown paste which acts as a liquid bandage to stop any bleeding. Many women notice a slight blood-stained discharge after a biopsy of the cervix. This will usually clear within a few days, so it can be a good idea to wear a liner in your underwear.