The following is more or less what you can expect. Remember that every circumstance is not exacly the same, but this is the general idea:
You will lie on the examining table with your feet in stirrups, just as you do for a regular pelvic exam.
The doctor will insert a speculum (the same instrument used for the pap test) into your vagina. and it will be opened slightly so that the cervix can be seen.
The colposcope will not be placed into the vagina but just outside it.
The doctor will look through the colposcope and may put some solutions on your cervix or in your vagina to help visualize the cells better.
In general, the cervix feels little pain, and anesthetics are not necessary.
The doctor may do a Pap test and carefully examine your cervix through the scope.
A biopsy may be done, this is the removal of a small sample of tissue done with a small sharp instrument. You may feel a pinch or slight cramp.
After the biopsy is done the doctor will put a thick, pasty solution on the area of the biopsy. This will help prevent bleeding.
The instruments will be removed, and the biopsy will be sent to the lab
