What is recovery after a colposcopy and biopsy like, and is it normal to experience discharge and bleeding afterwards?

Doctor's Answer

Colposcopy and cervical biopsy is a minor procedure that is performed on an outpatient basis. Therefore, there is no need to stay overnight in hospital. For the comfort of patients, local anaesthetic is injected into the abnormal part of the cervix that needs to be biopsied.

In order to stop post biopsy bleeding, an orange-coloured paste like solution (monsel) is applied to the cervix. This is why it is quite normal for women to experience vaginal discharge and spotting after the procedure for even up to one week. Most women should be able to return to work the next day and are advised to wear thicker sanitary pads for up to a week.

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