Care · Colposcopy

Colposcopy: the examination of the cervix, at the practice, during the consultation, in Paris 16th

Colposcopy is the examination of the cervix under magnification. It is offered after an abnormal smear test, when an HPV test stays positive, or to follow up a cervix that has already been treated. At the practice, 42 avenue Mozart, Dr Chaima Gatri, OB-GYN and gynecological (gynaecological) surgeon, performs it during the consultation with the DYSIS Ultra digital colposcope of the practice's equipment; if a biopsy is useful, it is taken at the same time, and you leave with your printed report. English-speaking practice.

Updated on 1 October 2026

Why

When colposcopy is offered

After an abnormal smear test (Pap test) — altered cells on the cervix: colposcopy looks at where, and how. This is the most frequent case.
When the HPV test stays positive — the virus persists on the cervix at the check-up: the examination rules out a lesion, or finds it.
To follow up a treated cervix — after laser vaporization (vaporisation) or a cone biopsy (conization), colposcopy is part of the follow-up, at the pace set by Dr Gatri.
Because of a sign — bleeding after intercourse, a lesion seen during an examination: colposcopy tells what it is.
On referral — your gynecologist (gynaecologist) or your GP refers you for the examination: you are seen like every patient of the practice, and you leave with the report for the doctor who follows you.

The screening smear test and the HPV test themselves are done during a gynecology (gynaecology) consultation; what they mean is explained on the HPV, abnormal smear and colposcopy page.

Book an appointment — Doctolib, Dr Gatri, reason “Colposcopie” (colposcopy)

How it goes

The examination, step by step

Before — the examination is best scheduled outside your period. In the 48 hours before, avoid intercourse, tampons, pessaries and vaginal creams, so that the cervix can be read. You eat normally. If you are pregnant or allergic to iodine, tell the front desk: the examination is adapted.
Positioning — as for a smear test: in the gynecological position, with a speculum in place. The colposcope stays outside the body; it is a lighted magnifier and does not touch the cervix.
The solutions — Dr Gatri applies two liquids to the cervix, one after the other: acetic acid, which turns abnormal areas white, then Lugol's iodine, which stains healthy tissue brown. A brief stinging is usual.
The DYSIS map — the DYSIS Ultra digital colposcope measures how the cervix reacts over time and draws a map of the areas to examine; the images are shown on the room's 65-inch screen, and Dr Gatri talks you through them during the examination. The visual record is kept in your file, to compare from one examination to the next.
The biopsy, if useful — a sample of a few millimetres (millimeters) from the area identified, at the same time: a brief pinch. It is sent to the pathology laboratory.
Duration — about fifteen minutes in all, within the consultation.

Afterwards

Results, aftercare, and what comes next

The report — handed to you printed at the end of the consultation, with the images, in a folder of the practice; it is sent to the doctor who follows you if you were referred.
The biopsy result — given to you by Dr Gatri as soon as it reaches her, and discussed with you: surveillance, laser vaporization at the practice, or a cone biopsy at the Clinique de la Muette. The steps are described on the HPV, abnormal smear and colposcopy page.
Aftercare — brown discharge from the iodine for a day or two; after a biopsy, light bleeding for a few days. You resume your activities right away. After a biopsy: no bath, no swimming pool and no intercourse for 48 hours.
Follow-up — depending on the result, a smear test, an HPV test or another colposcopy at an interval set by Dr Gatri, within current guidelines.

Information

What to know before the examination

No hospital stay, no anesthesia (anaesthesia) — colposcopy takes place during the consultation; the discomfort is that of a slightly longer smear test.
After a biopsy — light bleeding is usual; bleeding heavier than a period, pain or fever should make you call the practice.
Iodine — Lugol's solution contains iodine: report a known allergy, and the examination is done without it.
Pregnancy — colposcopy is possible during pregnancy; Dr Gatri adapts the examination and, most often, postpones any procedure until after the birth.

The general framework of this site — information, no promise of results, fees — is on the Patient information page.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions, our answers

Does colposcopy hurt?

It feels like a smear test that lasts longer: the speculum stays in place for about ten minutes and the solutions sting. The biopsy causes a brief pinch. No anesthesia is used.

Do I need to fast?

No: you eat and drink normally.

Can I have it during my period?

It is better to schedule it outside your period, so that the cervix can be read. If the date falls badly, the front desk moves it.

What is seen on the screen?

The magnified cervix, then the areas that turn white with acetic acid and those the iodine does not stain: these are what Dr Gatri examines, and what the DYSIS map highlights.

Will I have the result straight away?

The examination report, yes — printed and explained before you leave. The biopsy result needs the laboratory's analysis; Dr Gatri gives it to you as soon as it arrives.

What if a lesion is found?

Depending on its grade and extent: surveillance, laser vaporization at the practice under colposcopic guidance, or a cone biopsy at the Clinique de la Muette. The choice is made with you, on the images and the biopsy.

Who performs the examination?

Dr Chaima Gatri, OB-GYN and gynecological surgeon, who establishes the indication, performs the examination and explains the result to you.

Is it covered?

In part. Colposcopy and biopsy are partly covered by the French health insurance (Assurance maladie). The practice applies direct billing to the French national health insurance (tiers payant): with an up-to-date carte Vitale, you do not pay that part upfront. What remains payable by you includes the excess fee (dépassement d'honoraires), which may be reimbursed by your complementary insurer (mutuelle), depending on your policy. The practice's fees are on the Fees page.

Colposcopy: the examination of the cervix, at the practice, during the consultation, in Paris 16th

When colposcopy is offered

The examination, step by step

Results, aftercare, and what comes next

What to know before the examination

Your questions, our answers

Does colposcopy hurt?

Do I need to fast?

Can I have it during my period?

What is seen on the screen?

Will I have the result straight away?

What if a lesion is found?

Who performs the examination?

Is it covered?

Fees and reimbursement

On the same subject

HPV, abnormal smear and colposcopy

Medical gynecology

Gynecological laser

Equipment

Surgery (cone biopsy)

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