Other names
Vaginal inspection
Description
Colposcopy is a procedure that uses a special microscope, called a colposcope, to look into the vagina and to look closely at the cervix. The colposcope shines light onto the cervix and magnifies the area so that biopsies may be done (the removal of pieces of tissue). The pieces of tissue are looked at in the laboratory under a microscope to identify any abnormalities.
It usually only takes 20 to 30 minutes for your doctor to complete a colposcopy and biopsy.