A colposcopy is a simple procedure that lets doctor get a good look at your cervix. The exam takes 5 to 10 minutes, and is a lot like getting a Pap smear. One of the biggest differences is your doctor uses a special magnifying instrument called a colposcope.

You usually get a colposcopy if you had some sort of abnormal results on your Pap test so doctor can further diagnose any problems.

Doctor can use a colposcopy to diagnose cervical cancer, genital warts, vaginal cancer, and vulvar cancer, as well.