Colposcopy at OpenMed Warsaw
Colposcopy is a diagnostic examination of the cervix performed under magnification, most often after an abnormal cytology result, a positive HPV test or when changes within the cervix are suspected. At OpenMed Warsaw we perform colposcopy to assess the epithelium of the cervix, vagina and vulva in detail and to determine whether further diagnostics, follow-up or tissue sampling for histopathology is needed.
During the examination the doctor uses a colposcope, an optical device that allows the cervix to be viewed under magnification. Where necessary, diagnostic solutions are applied to help reveal suspicious areas. Colposcopy is short, usually well tolerated and can be an important step in the diagnosis of precancerous lesions, HPV infection and abnormalities detected in cytology.
Who we help
We help patients who:
- have received an abnormal cytology result,
- have a positive HPV test, particularly high-risk HPV,
- have been referred for colposcopy by a gynaecologist,
- have a suspicious appearance of the cervix on gynaecological examination,
- require follow-up after previous treatment of cervical lesions,
- have contact bleeding, for example after intercourse,
- have recurrent inflammation or chronic changes within the cervix,
- need an assessment of whether tissue sampling for histopathology is necessary,
- want to discuss the results of cytology, HPV or a previous colposcopy,
- are looking for a place where colposcopy is performed privately in Warsaw.
Doctors performing colposcopy in Warsaw
Meet the OpenMed Warsaw doctors who perform colposcopy and handle the diagnosis of cervical lesions. During the appointment the doctor discusses the cytology result, the HPV test or a previous gynaecological examination, then assesses the cervix under magnification and explains the next steps.
What does colposcopy involve?
Colposcopy involves a detailed examination of the cervix, vagina and vulva under magnification. It is performed with a colposcope, an optical device positioned in front of the patient - the colposcope is not inserted into the vagina and does not touch the body.
During the examination the doctor inserts a speculum, assesses the cervix and may apply special diagnostic solutions that help reveal suspicious areas of the epithelium. If the doctor notices a site requiring closer assessment, a tissue sample may be taken for histopathological examination.
When is colposcopy worth performing?
Colposcopy is performed when a cytology result, an HPV test or the appearance of the cervix requires closer assessment. The examination helps establish whether there are inflammatory or precancerous changes within the cervix, changes related to HPV infection, or other abnormalities requiring follow-up or further diagnostics.
The most common indications for colposcopy are:
- an abnormal cytology result,
- a positive high-risk HPV test,
- a suspicious appearance of the cervix on gynaecological examination,
- contact bleeding, for example after intercourse,
- recurrent or chronic changes within the cervix,
- follow-up after previous treatment of cervical lesions,
- qualification for tissue sampling for histopathological examination,
- the need for closer assessment after previous inconclusive results.
How is a colposcopic examination performed?
The colposcopic examination takes place in a gynaecological consulting room and resembles a standard examination with a speculum. The doctor first discusses the results of cytology, the HPV test or previous examinations, asks about symptoms and explains how the colposcopy will proceed.
The examination may include:
- inserting a speculum,
- assessing the cervix under magnification,
- applying diagnostic solutions,
- assessing how the epithelium reacts to the solutions,
- documenting the colposcopic image,
- taking a cytology sample or performing an HPV test,
- tissue sampling if the doctor sees an indication,
- discussing the result of the examination and further recommendations.
The colposcopy itself is usually short. If no tissue is sampled, the patient can return to everyday activities straight away.
How to prepare for a colposcopy
It is worth bringing to the colposcopy any previous results of cytology, HPV testing, an earlier colposcopy, a biopsy or treatment of cervical lesions. This helps the doctor assess the indications for the examination and plan what happens next.
Before the examination it is best to:
- avoid intercourse for 24-48 hours before the appointment,
- not use tampons before the examination,
- not perform vaginal douching,
- not use pessaries, creams or vaginal medication without consulting a doctor,
- inform the doctor about pregnancy or suspected pregnancy,
- report an active intimate infection, bleeding or severe pain,
- prepare a list of medication taken regularly.
If the patient has symptoms of an intimate infection, heavy bleeding or is undergoing vaginal treatment, it is worth contacting reception or the doctor to establish whether the appointment should be rescheduled.
When in the cycle is colposcopy best performed?
Colposcopy is best performed outside menstruation, usually once bleeding has finished. Blood can make it harder to assess the cervix accurately and can affect the quality of the examination, so appointments are usually set for days when the patient is not bleeding.
The best moment depends on the length of the cycle, the symptoms and the indications for the examination. If the colposcopy is urgent, for example after a very worrying cytology result or with contact bleeding, the doctor may decide on the timing individually.
Colposcopy in Warsaw - cervical diagnostics
Colposcopy allows the cervix, vagina and vulva to be assessed in detail under magnification. It is most often performed when a cytology result, an HPV test or the appearance of the cervix calls for deeper diagnostics. The examination helps detect inflammatory and precancerous changes as well as other abnormalities that may require follow-up, treatment or tissue sampling for histopathological examination.
At OpenMed Warsaw colposcopy is performed in a gynaecological consulting room. The doctor assesses the cervix using a colposcope, applies diagnostic solutions and discusses the next steps with the patient. If the colposcopic image calls for it, additional diagnostics such as tissue sampling can be planned or performed.
Colposcopy versus cytology and the HPV test
Cytology, the HPV test and colposcopy complement one another. Cytology assesses cells collected from the cervix, the HPV test checks for the presence of human papillomavirus, and colposcopy allows the cervix to be examined closely under magnification.
Colposcopy may be recommended when:
- cytology has shown abnormalities,
- the HPV test is positive, particularly for high-risk types,
- the doctor sees a suspicious lesion on the cervix,
- contact bleeding occurs,
- previous results require follow-up,
- a decision is needed on whether to take a sample for histopathology.
Cytology or an HPV test alone are not always enough to assess the nature of a lesion. Colposcopy helps identify the area that should be observed, monitored or examined more closely.
Colposcopy with tissue sampling - when is it needed?
Not every colposcopy involves taking a sample. Sometimes the examination ends with an assessment of the cervix and a recommendation for follow-up. If, however, the doctor sees an area that requires closer assessment, a small fragment of tissue may be taken for histopathological examination.
Tissue sampling may be needed with:
- suspected precancerous changes,
- an abnormal colposcopic image,
- changes related to HPV,
- an inconclusive cytology result,
- a visible lesion on the cervix,
- follow-up after previous treatment,
- the need to confirm a diagnosis through histopathology.
The collected material goes to a laboratory where it is assessed under a microscope. The histopathological result helps the doctor decide whether observation is enough or whether further treatment will be needed.
Contraindications to colposcopy
Colposcopy is a minimally invasive examination, but in some situations the doctor may recommend rescheduling it or treating another problem first. This applies particularly to situations that make an accurate assessment of the cervix difficult.
Colposcopy may be postponed with:
- menstruation or heavy bleeding,
- an active intimate infection,
- severe inflammation of the vagina or cervix,
- recently performed gynaecological procedures,
- the use of medication or vaginal pessaries immediately before the examination,
- intense pain,
- situations in which the doctor decides that another course of action is needed first.
If the patient is pregnant, suspects pregnancy, is bleeding or has symptoms of infection, this should be reported to the doctor before the examination.
Colposcopy during pregnancy
Colposcopy can also be performed during pregnancy if there are indications for it, for example abnormal cytology, a positive HPV test or suspicion of significant cervical lesions. In such a situation the doctor decides on the examination taking into account the stage of pregnancy, the results of previous tests and the safety of the patient.
In pregnancy, colposcopy serves primarily to assess the cervix and establish whether the changes require observation, follow-up after delivery or more urgent diagnostics. Tissue sampling in pregnancy is performed only when the doctor considers it necessary. The patient should always inform the doctor about pregnancy or suspected pregnancy before the examination begins.
What does a colposcopy result mean?
The colposcopy result describes the appearance of the cervix, how the epithelium reacts to the solutions applied and any areas requiring follow-up or further diagnostics. The doctor may consider the image normal, inflammatory, inconclusive or suspicious for changes that require tissue sampling.
After a colposcopy the patient may receive a recommendation for:
- further observation,
- follow-up cytology,
- an HPV test,
- treatment of inflammation,
- repeating the colposcopy after a specified time,
- tissue sampling for histopathology,
- a consultation on the histopathological result,
- further treatment of cervical lesions.
Colposcopy helps assess suspicious sites, but the definitive confirmation of the nature of a lesion comes from histopathological examination, if a sample was taken.
Recommendations after a colposcopy
After a colposcopy alone, without tissue sampling, the patient can quickly return to everyday activities. Slight spotting or mild discomfort may appear, particularly if diagnostic solutions were used during the examination.
If tissue was sampled during the colposcopy, the doctor may recommend for a specified time:
- avoiding intercourse,
- not using tampons,
- avoiding swimming pools, saunas and baths,
- limiting intense physical effort,
- using sanitary pads if spotting occurs,
- monitoring bleeding and pain.
Symptoms such as heavy bleeding, severe lower abdominal pain, fever, chills, an unpleasant odour of discharge or a general deterioration in wellbeing require prompt contact with a doctor.
Frequently asked questions about colposcopy
The colposcopy itself is usually not painful, but it may cause discomfort similar to a standard gynaecological examination with a speculum. If a tissue sample is taken during the examination, the patient may feel a brief prick, stinging or a cramp in the lower abdomen.
Colposcopy is a short examination. The length of the appointment depends on the indications, on the need to discuss results, and on whether cytology, an HPV test or tissue sampling for histopathology is performed during the visit.
It is worth bringing the result of cytology, an HPV test, a previous colposcopy or a biopsy if the patient has them. They are not always strictly necessary, but they help the doctor assess the indications for the examination and plan what happens next.
No. Tissue sampling is performed only when the doctor sees an area requiring closer assessment. If the colposcopic image does not raise such suspicions, the examination may end with an assessment of the cervix and follow-up recommendations.
After a colposcopy alone the patient can usually return to everyday activities. If tissue was sampled, spotting, discomfort or lower abdominal pain may appear, so it is worth following the doctor recommendations and avoiding activities that could increase bleeding.
Colposcopy price list
Service available at the following clinics:
- Warsaw Wola - price list
Have questions? Contact us - 22 100 45 20.