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Private colposcopy
- Outpatient colposcopy procedures for your convenience
- Advanced diagnostics and aftercare in dedicated women's centres
- Compassionate specialists who support you through your treatment
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Private colposcopy at HCA UK
Why choose us
At HCA UK, you're in expert hands. Our skilled women's health consultants perform colposcopies in our modern, private facilities. We use the latest technology to ensure a smooth and accurate process, prioritising your comfort and wellbeing every step of the way.
We understand that the idea of a cervical colposcopy can be unsettling, and our team is here to guide you with care and compassion. Your consultant will take the time to explain the procedure clearly, answer any questions and ensure you fully understand the next steps in your journey.
If your cervical screening shows changes, a colposcopy offers a gentle, closer look at your cervix (the opening to your uterus) and the wall of your vagina. It's a routine procedure that helps guide the next steps, if any are needed.
Your consultant will use a special magnifying instrument called a colposcope to carefully observe changes that might be too small to detect with the naked eye. These may include abnormal blood vessels, tissue structures, colours and patterns. Any changes in these areas can indicate conditions that may become serious in the future.
A colposcopy helps ensure your consultant spots any potential issues early so that you can make informed decisions about your health and the next steps. Our team is here to guide you through the process with care and support.
Whether you only need a colposcopy or further testing and treatment, we'll provide a personalised plan tailored to your needs. From the first consultation to follow-up care, we're here to offer support and reassurance, helping you feel confident and cared for throughout the process.
A colposcopy helps to investigate any abnormal findings from previous tests. If your cervical screening (formerly called a smear test) or pelvic exam results are abnormal, your consultant may recommend a colposcopy to ensure you receive the right care.
The procedure could help diagnose the following conditions:
- Precancerous changes in the tissue of the cervix, vagina or vulva
- Cancer of the cervix, vagina or vulva
- Non-cancerous growths on the cervix, such as polyps
- Inflammation of the cervix, called cervicitis
- Genital warts
- Vulval skin changes
- Diethylstilbesterol (DES) exposure
Much like during a cervical screening, your consultant will carefully insert a smooth, tube-shaped tool called a speculum into your vagina and open it gently. To ensure a clear view, your cervix and vagina will be swabbed with cotton to clear away any mucus. In some cases, a solution may be applied to the area to help highlight any cells that may require closer attention.
Your consultant will examine the cells of your cervix using a colposcope. The colposcope remains outside your body, so you won't feel any discomfort from it. The entire procedure usually takes between 10 and 20 minutes.
If your consultant notices any changes, they may take a small sample of tissue, known as a cervical biopsy, for further testing. Should your consultant clearly identify any abnormal cells, they may recommend removing them during the colposcopy using a treatment known as Large Loop Excision of the Transformation Zone (LLETZ) or cone biopsy.
Your consultant will guide you through every stage of the procedure to explain what's happening and ensure you feel supported throughout.
A colposcopy is generally a very safe procedure with minimal risks. While complications are rare, it's important to be aware of the potential for minor issues, particularly if a biopsy is performed during the procedure. These may include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Pelvic discomfort
- Your menstrual period
- Acute pelvic inflammatory disease
- Acute inflammation of the cervix
- Previous surgery on the cervix
- Being postmenopausal
If you have any concerns, please don't hesitate to discuss them with your consultant before the procedure. This includes any allergies or sensitivities you may have to any medications, iodine or latex. Your consultant will tailor your treatment plan to your needs.
Next day appointments
See a specialist in as little as 24 hours
Specialist care
Talk to women’s health GPs and consultants
Dedicated facilities
Spaces specifically designed for women
Locations
Where can I access a private colposcopy?
You can book a private colposcopy at one of our clinics or hospitals in London, Manchester or Birmingham. Our women's health consultants will guide you from your first appointment through to any follow-up care. They'll explain each step clearly, so you stay informed, reassured and fully supported throughout.
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road SW1W 8RH London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place St John's Wood NW8 9LE London
The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road Wilmslow SK9 1NY Cheshire
The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way B15 2TQ Birmingham
Your private colposcopy with HCA UK
What to expect
It's natural to have questions or concerns about having a colposcopy, and we want you to feel fully informed and comfortable every step of the way. Our team of experienced women's health experts are here to support you at every stage with a compassionate and clear approach.
01
Initial consultation
You'll meet with your consultant to discuss your medical history and any concerns you may have. They'll explain the purpose of the colposcopy and how it works to help you understand what to expect. This is also a great time to ask any questions you may have, as we want you to feel confident and at ease.
02
During the procedure
During the procedure, your consultant will carefully examine your cervix and vaginal walls to identify any changes or abnormal tissue. While this can sound daunting, our team is here to ensure the process is as comfortable as possible, and you have the option to view the procedure on video as it happens. Any findings will be explained in detail, so you fully understand your next steps.
03
After your colposcopy
Once the procedure is complete, you'll have time to relax and recover in a private space. The results of your colposcopy can take several weeks as the samples need to be carefully examined to ensure accurate results.
04
Colposcopy follow-up care
Following the colposcopy, your consultant may discuss potential next steps based on your results. If necessary, we'll guide you through your options regarding further testing or treatment for abnormal cervical conditions. We're here to provide the support and advice you need.
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all of our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll give you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
Private colposcopy FAQs
No, not always. If you have high-risk HPV and abnormal cervical cells, a colposcopy is usually recommended. If your cells look normal but you test positive for HPV, you’ll likely be asked to attend another screening in 12 months.
We’ll explain your results, discuss your personal risk factors and determine whether closer examination or monitoring is the best approach for you.
It's completely normal to have concerns about your colposcopy, but in most cases, it's a routine check to spot any changes early.
If you do have any abnormal cervical cells, the procedure will allow your consultant to recommend the most effective treatment to help prevent any further issues. You'll be in safe hands throughout the process.
Results can take several weeks because the samples need to be carefully examined in a laboratory. We look for any abnormal cells, which is a detailed process and, in some cases, additional tests are needed to confirm findings and ensure accurate results.
If you're pregnant, rest assured that a colposcopy is completely safe for you and your baby and won't affect your delivery. Neither will it affect your ability to conceive in the future. However, it's important to let your consultant know if you are pregnant or think you might be.
A colposcopy is usually a comfortable procedure for most people. You might feel a small amount of pressure when the speculum is inserted, and some people notice a mild burning or stinging sensation when the solution is applied to the cervix.
If a biopsy is needed, you might experience a brief, sharp pinch or a sensation similar to a period cramp when the tissue sample is taken. Our team will be on hand to make sure you're as comfortable as possible throughout the procedure.
LLETZ (Large Loop Excision of the Transformation Zone) is a common treatment for abnormal cervical cells that's often performed at the same time as a colposcopy.
During the procedure, your consultant will give you a local anaesthetic injection to numb your cervix, so you are unlikely to feel any pain. Then, they'll use a small, heated wire loop to remove the abnormal tissue. The treatment typically takes around 15 minutes.
While the treatment is generally safe, some potential side effects of LLETZ include:
During the procedure, your consultant will give you a local anaesthetic injection to numb your cervix, so you are unlikely to feel any pain. Then, they'll use a small, heated wire loop to remove the abnormal tissue. The treatment typically takes around 15 minutes.
While the treatment is generally safe, some potential side effects of LLETZ include:
- Bleeding (for up to four weeks after)
- Pain
- Infection
- Cervical incompetence or stenosis
The recovery process from a colposcopy will depend on whether you also have a cervical biopsy during the procedure:
If you had a colposcopy only, you won't have any restrictions on your activity once your exam is complete. You may experience some light bleeding from your vagina in the first two days following the procedure.
If you have a cervical biopsy during your colposcopy, you may experience the following side effects in the first few days after:
If you had a colposcopy only, you won't have any restrictions on your activity once your exam is complete. You may experience some light bleeding from your vagina in the first two days following the procedure.
If you have a cervical biopsy during your colposcopy, you may experience the following side effects in the first few days after:
- Vaginal or vulvar pain
- Light bleeding from your vagina
- A dark discharge from your vagina, which is from a medicine applied to your cervix to control bleeding during the biopsy
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.