Colposcopy services in North London Skip to main content

Colposcopy services in Hendon

We offer colposcopy procedures at our Hendon Hospital in North London

Colposcopy-procedure
A colposcopy is a procedure to take a closer look at your cervix (the opening to your womb from your vagina). It is often performed after the results of your cervical screening show changes to the cells of your cervix caused by forms of the human papillomavirus (HPV). These cells are not cancer but can become cancerous if left untreated. A colposcopy can also be used if it wasn't possible to get a clear result of your cells after several screening tests, or to discover the cause of other symptoms.

At Hendon Hospital, our consultant gynaecologists offer colposcopies to people from across North London. People visit us from Finchley, Highgate, Hampstead and Wembley, with others travelling from further afield to be treated by our experts.

Precancerous or abnormal cells in your cervix, vagina, or vulva do not usually cause any symptoms. But a colposcopy can also be performed to diagnose the cause of abnormal bleeding, which can occur during and after sex, in between your periods, or after menopause. Abnormal bleeding has several causes, including:

Uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids or polyps are non-cancerous growths that develop on your womb (uterus). They are made up of fibrous tissue and range in size from a seed to a small ball.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a long-term condition that causes the tissue that forms on the lining of your womb (uterus) begins to grow in other parts of the body. It often causes severe pelvic pain.

Cervical cancer

Cervical cancer develops when the cells in your cervix start functioning abnormally. When they grow or multiply in an uncontrolled way, they can cause tumours.

You might also need a colposcopy to check for genital warts (a common sign of HPV) or an infection, although this is less common. Both problems cause symptoms such as itchiness around your genitals. Genital warts present as skin coloured or white bumps.

The procedure is performed by a consultant gynaecologist. They will ensure you feel informed and supported throughout your journey with us, and that you receive the right treatment for you should you need further treatment.

There is not much you need to do to prepare for a colposcopy, but there are some things you should avoid before it. For 24 hours before your colposcopy:

  • Do not have penetrative vaginal sex
  • Do not use products that you place inside your vagina (tampons or vaginal creams)

This is to make it easier to look at your cervix during the procedure. Although it is more difficult to look at your cervix when you have your period, you can still have the procedure during your period. Your consultant might recommend that you rearrange the appointment if you do have your period, but this depends on your individual circumstances (such as whether you need a cervical smear during the colposcopy), and they'll ensure you understand the reason behind their decision.

Your consultant or nurse will ask you to lie down on a bed with your knees apart and sheet covering you from the waist down. They will gently insert a speculum into your vagina. Next, they will then use the colposcope, which is a binocular field microscope with magnified vision, to look at the surface of your cervix. Please allow at least 1 hour for your appointment. Exact timings may vary due to the outcome of your consultation.

A colposcopy is not painful, but you might experience cramping that feels like period cramps during the procedure, which can continue for a few days after.

On completion of your consultation and procedure, a charge sheet will be given to you specifying the package price applicable to your visit. Please allow 5 working days after your procedure for the consultant to contact you with the results.

We offer a variety of colposcopy packages:

Package one

Colposcopy and consultation at £630.00*

Package two

Colposcopy, consultation, and HPV subtyping at £730.00*

Package three

Colposcopy, consultation, biopsy, and histology £830.00*

Any pre-surgery diagnostic tests and your consultant's outpatient appointment consultation fee are charged separately.

Our flexible payment options help you spread the cost of your payment across a time period that suits you. We offer fixed-term monthly payment plans over one to five years with no deposit required. If you decide to pay over 10 months, you will pay interest-free. If you are paying for a longer period, you will pay 14.9% APR.

If you have private health insurance, your colposcopy may be covered by your provider. Speak to your insurer directly to find out.

*Prices may vary depending on your reasons for having a colposcopy. The actual cost of your treatment will be confirmed in writing at the time of booking.

Your recovery period depends on whether you have had any treatment to remove and biopsy abnormal cells. Some people (regardless of whether they have had treatment) might experience some cramping and light bleeding and discharge for up to a week after a colposcopy. You might also experience some soreness in your vagina during this time. This can be managed with traditional painkillers.

Most people can return to their usual everyday activities, as well as having sex and wearing tampons, straight away. Your consultant will let you know whether you should avoid certain activities, such as sex or using tampons, if you have treatment on the day and have specific recovery requirements.

When you choose to go private at Hendon Hospital, you can expect:

  • Flexible appointment times to fit your schedule
  • The freedom to choose your hospital and your consultant
  • Bespoke, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
  • Private ensuite rooms as standard
  • Tasty and nutritious meals cooked onsite to your dietary requirements
  • Support from the same compassionate clinical team from beginning to end
  • Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included
  • Flexible payment options to help spread the cost of your care

If you want to know more about a colposcopy and find out if it's the right procedure for your needs, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly on 0141 300 5009.

Content reviewed by Circle in-house team in November 2022. Next review due November 2025.

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