Colposcopy is a medical diagnostic procedure to examine an illuminated, magnified view of the cervix and the tissues of the vagina and vulva. Many premalignant lesions and malignant lesions in these areas have discernible characteristics which can be detected through the examination. The main goal of colposcopy is to prevent cervical cancer by detecting precancerous lesions early and treating them.

A specialized Colposcopy is a medical diagnostic procedure to examine an illuminated, magnified view of the cervix and the tissues of the vagina and vulva. Many premalignant lesions and malignant lesions in these areas have discernible characteristics which can be detected through the examination. The main goal of colposcopy is to prevent cervical cancer by detecting precancerous lesions early and treating them.

Colposcopy is must when the result of a Pap test is abnormal. Most abnormal Pap tests are caused by viral infections, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, or other types of infection, such as those caused by bacteria, fungi (yeast), or protozoa (Trichomonas). Natural cervical cell changes (atrophic vaginitis) related to menopause can also cause an abnormal Pap test. In some cases, untreated cervical cell changes that cause abnormal Pap tests may progress to precancerous or cancerous changes.

Colposcopy is usually done to look at the vagina and cervix when the result of a Pap test is abnormal. Colposcope is a lighted magnifying device that looks like a pair of binoculars (colposcope). The colposcope allows your doctor to see problems that would be missed by the naked eye. A camera can be attached to the colposcope to take pictures or videos of the vagina and cervix.

Once the procedure is planned by the gynaecologists, the patient is advised to refrain from sexual intercourse, applying any medication to the vagina, as it can misguide the diagnosis. Sometime, if some unusual finds are observed, the gynaecologist may scarp the tissues for biopsy from the cervical area. Colposcopy can not be performed during the menstrual cycle and hence needs to be planned.