Private Colposcopy · Chelsea, London
Private Colposcopy
Consultant-led
Chelsea Clinic
An abnormal smear or HPV-positive result isn’t necessarily a cancer diagnosis but it is a reason to get your cervix looked at properly and without delay.
- Urgent appointments available, no GP referral needed
- Carried out by a consultant gynaecologist, never a junior doctor
- Biopsy taken at the same appointment where it is needed
- LLETZ treatment and follow-up at the same clinic
- Self pay and all major insurers welcome
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Trusted by women across London
Google & Trusted by women across London
Self Pay & Insurance Welcome
Understanding Colposcopy
What Is a Colposcopy?
A colposcopy is a straightforward outpatient examination that lets a consultant look closely at your cervix. You lie on a couch much as you would for a smear test and a speculum is passed so the cervix can be seen. Your consultant then examines it through a colposcope, a lit magnifying instrument that sits about 30cm away and never goes inside you.
A dilute acetic acid or iodine solution is applied so any abnormal cells show up clearly. If an area looks abnormal, a small biopsy is taken there and then and sent to the laboratory. The whole appointment takes around 10 to 15 minutes and you go home straight afterwards. Most women describe it as no worse than a smear test.
Why Women Come to Us for a Colposcopy
If any of the following apply to you, a colposcopy will give you a proper answer:
- An abnormal smear result showing borderline changes or dyskaryosis
- An HPV-positive result, particularly HPV 16 or 18, or positive on repeat testing
- More than one abnormal or inadequate smear result
- Bleeding after sex, between periods, or after the menopause
- A cervix that looked inflamed or irregular to your GP or nurse
- An NHS recall letter, when you would rather not wait for the appointment
- Previous treatment to the cervix that needs follow-up or a test of cure
- Persistent unexplained discharge, or skin changes on the vulva or vagina
★★★★★
“I am always greeted very warmly at Ovara Health. The Consultants are fantastic and it is such a great clinic. Although it’s a bit of a journey from where we live, it’s worth it for the care and expertise they provide. Thank you again!”
Verified patient, Doctify
What Brings Women Here
The Results That Lead to a Colposcopy
Abnormal smear
Abnormal Cells (Dyskaryosis)
Your smear found cells on the cervix that have changed shape. This is not cancer. It is a signal that the area should be looked at more closely and, if needed, treated early.
- Borderline and low-grade changes
- High-grade changes needing prompt review
- Graded properly, not guessed at
HPV positive
A Positive HPV Result
HPV is a very common virus that most people carry at some point and clear on their own. When it persists, particularly types 16 and 18, it can cause the cell changes worth watching.
- High-risk HPV types explained
- Persistent HPV on repeat testing
- What it does and does not mean for you
Symptoms
Unexplained Bleeding
Bleeding after sex, between periods or after the menopause is common and usually has a simple cause, but it should always be examined properly rather than waited out.
- Post-coital and intermenstrual bleeding
- Postmenopausal bleeding assessed urgently
- Cervical polyps and ectropion identified
Repeat results
Inadequate or Repeated Smears
If your sample could not be read, or you have had more than one abnormal result, a colposcopy gives a definitive answer instead of another round of waiting and retesting.
- Repeat smear taken at the clinic
- Direct examination rather than another sample
- Clear answer at one appointment
After treatment
Follow-Up and Test of Cure
If you have had LLETZ or another treatment to the cervix, follow-up confirms the changes have gone and that HPV has cleared.
- Test of cure smear and HPV test
- Surveillance for low-grade changes
- Same consultant throughout
Vulva and vagina
Vulval & Vaginal Changes
The same magnified examination, called vulvoscopy, is used for persistent itching, soreness, white patches or lesions on the vulva and vaginal walls.
- Persistent itching, soreness or burning
- Skin changes and lichen conditions
- Biopsy where a diagnosis is needed
What to Expect
What Actually Happens During a Colposcopy
01
Before we start
Your Result Explained
Your consultant goes through your smear or HPV result with you first, so you understand what was found and why the examination is being done. Bring your result letter if you have it.
02
Getting comfortable
The Same Position as a Smear
You undress from the waist down behind a screen and lie on a couch with your legs supported. A soft sheet is provided. A speculum is passed gently so the cervix can be seen.
03
The examination
Looking Through the Colposcope
The colposcope is a lit magnifying instrument on a stand. It stays outside your body, about 30cm away, and simply gives your consultant a much clearer view of the cervix.
04
Making cells visible
Acetic Acid or Iodine
A dilute solution is applied to the cervix with a small swab. Abnormal cells take it up differently and turn white or stay pale, which shows your consultant exactly where to look.
05
If needed
A Small Biopsy
If an abnormal area is seen, a tissue sample the size of a pinhead is taken and sent to the laboratory. Most women feel a brief pinch or a short cramp, and it is over in seconds.
06
Before you leave
What Happens Next
Your consultant tells you what they saw, whether a biopsy was taken, when results will be back and what the likely next step is. You go straight back to your normal day.
Your Results & Options
What Happens After Your Colposcopy
Where treatment is needed, it is quick and effective.
Most common outcome
A Normal Result
Your consultant finds no abnormal area, or the changes have already resolved. You go back to routine screening with a clear explanation of why your smear flagged in the first place.
- Return to routine cervical screening
- Written summary for your GP records
- Nothing further needed
Low-grade changes
CIN 1: Watch and Recheck
Mild cell changes very often return to normal without any treatment as your body clears the HPV. The usual approach is monitoring with a repeat test rather than intervening.
- Repeat smear and HPV test at 12 months
- Treatment avoided where it is not needed
- Clear plan on when to come back
High-grade changes
LLETZ Treatment
For CIN 2 or CIN 3, a fine heated wire loop removes the affected area of the cervix under local anaesthetic. It takes around 15 minutes and you go home the same day.
- Local anaesthetic, no general anaesthetic
- The tissue removed is also sent for analysis
- Highly effective, with a test of cure afterwards
Where more is needed
Cone Biopsy
A slightly deeper cone-shaped excision, used when the abnormal area sits higher inside the cervical canal or a fuller sample is needed to be certain of the diagnosis.
- Used when LLETZ would not reach far enough
- Fertility implications discussed openly
- Recovery and aftercare explained in full
Same appointment
Polyp Removal
Cervical polyps are benign growths and a common cause of bleeding between periods or after sex. Most are removed during the same colposcopy appointment.
- Usually removed there and then
- Sent for analysis to confirm it is benign
- Bleeding symptoms often settle straight away
Afterwards
Test of Cure & Follow-Up
After any treatment you have a repeat smear and HPV test to confirm the changes have gone. If both are clear, you go back to routine screening intervals.
- Test of cure at six months after treatment
- Same consultant, so nothing gets lost
- Ongoing surveillance arranged where needed
Your Results & Options
What Happens After Your Colposcopy
Where treatment is needed, it is quick and effective.
1
Book Your Appointment
Call, email or complete the form below. Most patients are offered an appointment within 48 hours. No GP letter required. Bring your smear result letter if you have one.
2
Your Colposcopy
Your result is explained, then the examination itself takes around 10 to 15 minutes. A small biopsy is taken at the same visit if an abnormal area is seen.
3
Your Results
Where no biopsy was needed you often know before you leave. Biopsy results take one to two weeks and are explained to you face to face, not posted out.
4
Treatment or Reassurance
Either you go back to routine screening, or treatment such as LLETZ is arranged at this clinic with the same consultant, followed by a test of cure.
GMC Registered Consultants
CQC Regulated Clinic
All Major Insurers Accepted
274 Fulham Road, Chelsea
Consultant-Led Scanning
Transparent Pricing
Clear Prices, No Hidden Costs
All prices are per appointment. Your final fee will depend on your clinical needs. All major health insurers are welcomed.
Initial Consultation
Time with a consultant gynaecologist to go through your smear or HPV result, examine you where needed and agree what should happen next.
- With a GMC-registered consultant
- Your screening result explained properly
- Clinical examination included
- Written care plan and next steps
£300
Colposcopy
The examination itself, including any biopsy, polyp removal or vulvoscopy carried out at the same appointment.
- Carried out by a consultant gynaecologist
- Biopsy taken at the same visit if needed
- Polypectomy and vulvoscopy included
- Findings explained before you leave
£856
Follow-Up Appointment
To go through your biopsy results face to face, agree treatment if it is needed, or review you after LLETZ.
- With the same consultant throughout
- Biopsy results explained in plain language
- Test of cure and surveillance planning
- Referral letters and onward care
£260