Colposcopy is a procedure used to magnify certain areas of the body and help diagnose abnormalities.
A vulvar colposcopy examines lesions on the vulva and is often used to identify cancer or HPV. It is usually performed as a follow-up procedure to an abnormal pap smear. The speculum is inserted and a colposcope is used to view the area at 10 to 40 times its normal size. If any abnormal cells are noticed, a biopsy of the tissue may be done. A colposcopy is a very safe procedure with few complications.