A colposcopy is performed on women who have abnormal results on a smear test or HPV test taken from the cervix, or who have suspicious findings during a vaginal exam. The cervix is examined in detail with the help of a microscope. During the procedure, small tissue samples, called a biopsy, are taken from any suspicious-looking areas and sent to a lab for examination. The procedure is not painful and can be performed under local anesthesia in the examination room.
The first few weeks of pregnancy are the most critical
