Gynaecology & Well Women
Diagnostic Colposcopy
A detailed examination of the cervix, typically recommended after an abnormal cervical screening result.
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Diagnostic Colposcopy — what happens during the examination
Gynaecology Consultant
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All-Inclusive Pricing
No hidden fees
Same-Week Appointments
Fast access to care
Consultant-Led
Expert gynaecologists
About This Procedure
What is a Diagnostic Colposcopy?
A colposcopy is a simple, safe procedure that allows your gynaecologist to examine your cervix more closely than a standard smear test. It’s most commonly recommended when a routine cervical screening (smear test) has returned an abnormal result. The procedure itself does not hurt — most women describe it as similar to having a smear test. It is not a treatment, but a diagnostic examination that helps your consultant understand whether any cells need closer attention or treatment.
Common Question
Is a colposcopy painful?
Most patients find the procedure uncomfortable rather than painful — similar in sensation to a cervical smear test. The examination itself takes 15–20 minutes. You may experience mild cramping afterwards, similar to period pain, which usually passes within a few hours. You are awake throughout and can ask your consultant to stop or pause at any time.
Step by Step
What happens on the day?
01
Arrival & preparation
You’ll be welcomed by our clinical team and taken to a private examination room. There’s no need to fast beforehand. Wear comfortable clothing — you’ll be asked to undress from the waist down and will be given a sheet for privacy.
02
The examination
You’ll lie on an examination table with your knees bent. Your consultant will gently insert a speculum (the same as used in a smear test) and use a colposcope — a specialist magnifying instrument — to examine your cervix. A mild solution may be applied to the cervix to make any abnormal cells more visible.
03
Biopsy (if needed)
If your consultant sees an area they want to examine more closely, they may take a small biopsy — a tiny tissue sample. This takes seconds and causes brief sharp discomfort. Not all colposcopies result in a biopsy.
04
After the examination
You’ll be given time to dress and speak with your consultant about what they observed. If a biopsy was taken, results are typically available within 4–6 weeks. You can drive home afterwards and return to normal activities the same day in most cases.
Key Benefits
Why choose private diagnostic colposcopy?
→Faster access than NHS waiting times — typically seen within days
→Private, consultant-led examination in a calm, unhurried environment
→Clear same-day explanation of findings from your consultant
→Biopsy results followed up directly by your consultant
→No GP referral required
→All-inclusive pricing — no unexpected costs
Pricing
Transparent pricing.
From £950
Includes consultant fee, the colposcopy examination, and one follow-up appointment. Biopsy laboratory analysis charged separately if required.
Unlike many private hospitals, our price covers everything — surgeon, anaesthetist, hospital stay, and follow-up. No surprise bills.
Book a Consultation →No GP referral required
Using health insurance?
We accept Aviva, Bupa, Healix, Vitality, and WPA.
Contact us with your membership number — we handle pre-authorisation.
View insurance information →Your Outcomes
After your colposcopy
Most patients return to normal activities the same day. If a biopsy was taken, you may experience light spotting or discharge for a few days — this is normal. Avoid sexual intercourse, tampons, and swimming for 5–7 days after a biopsy.
Immediately after
Mild cramping possible. Most patients feel fine within an hour.
24–48 hours
Light spotting if biopsy taken. Normal activities can resume.
5–7 days
Avoid tampons, intercourse and swimming if biopsy was performed.
4–6 weeks
Biopsy results discussed with your consultant at follow-up.
Diagnostic Colposcopy is a well-established procedure with a high success rate. As with all surgery, risks exist including infection, blood clots, and complications. Your consultant will discuss your individual risk profile before you proceed.
Your Questions
Your questions, answered.
Book a Consultation
Ready to take the next step?
Book an initial consultation for diagnostic colposcopy— a no-commitment chat with our clinical coordinator. Pick a date that suits you and we’ll call within 24 hours to arrange the exact time with your consultant.
June 2026
Pick a date that suits you
This is your preferred date. We’ll confirm the exact time when we call.
Prefer to speak with someone?
No GP referral required. Same-week appointments available.
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