Colposcopy
The colposcopy service at the Trust is part of
the NHS Cervical Screening Programme.
Cervical screening is a way of preventing cancer by detecting
and treating early abnormalities, which if left untreated, could,
over time lead to cancer in the woman's cervix (neck of the
womb).
What is colposcopy?
A colposcopy is a simple procedure where the surface of the
cervix is closely
examined using a low powered magnifying instrument (which
remains outside the vagina) called a colposcope.
A specialist, called a colposcopist, performs the procedure to
check the cells on the surface of the cervix for abnormalities.
The aim of colposcopy is to assess the nature,
severity and extent of any abnormality found by the smear. This may
involve taking tiny biopsies (a specimen) for further analysis
in the laboratory.
At the clinic, when it is appropriate and possible, we may offer
the option of being seen and treated on your first visit.
Why do I need a colposcopy?
A colposcopy is usually carried out when the results of
a cervical screening test (smear test) indicate there are
abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix.
A colposcopy may also be used to investigate things such as
unexplained vaginal bleeding (such as after sex), an inflamed
cervix, and unexplained pelvic pain.
Clinics
The colposcopy clinic is located in the gynaecology outpatients
department in St Michael's Hospital. We also
have a clinic at South Bristol Community
Hospital.
Colposcopy co-ordinators
0117 342 5811
Emergency 24hr help number - Ward 78
0117 342 5278
If you have any questions or queries regardsing colposcopy you
can speak to colposcopy nurses on 0117 342 5133 or leave a message
and we will return your call.
Further information on abnormal smear results and the
colposcopy procedure can be found on the websites below:
The British Society
for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology
NHS
Cancer Screening Programme
NHS Choices
Jo's Cervical
Cancer Trust
Patient information leaflet
Colposcopy Clinic
Patient comments
Please see some patient comments below:
- The staff were all very lovely and put me at ease with no
pain
- The friendly nature of all nurses made me feel very comfortable
and at ease
- Both the nurses really made me feel comfortable and completely
at ease
- Brilliant staff. Nothing to improve or suggest. Kept me calm
and relaxed the whole time
- The nurses were lovely, they put my mind at ease
