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Birth Control & Women's Health

What Happens During a Colposcopy?

Linda Girgis | MD

Medically reviewed by Linda Girgis | MD, Girgis Family Medicine on August 20th, 2026.

A colposcopy uses a special magnifying instrument to examine your cervix, vagina, and vulva for abnormal cells. The colposcope provides 8-40x magnification, allowing detailed visualization of tissue that appears abnormal during routine Pap smears. During the 10-15 minute procedure, you'll lie on an exam table with your feet in stirrups, similar to a pelvic exam. Your doctor may apply acetic acid or iodine solutions to highlight abnormal areas, which may cause mild stinging. If suspicious tissue is found, a small biopsy sample may be taken for laboratory analysis. Most patients experience only mild discomfort similar to menstrual cramping.

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