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Home > About Newcastle Hospitals > Information leaflets and helpful resources > Colposcopy clinic – patient information following a biopsy of cervix

Colposcopy clinic – patient information following a biopsy of cervix

  1. You should not have sexual intercourse for four weeks. This is to prevent infection.
  1. You should not use tampons, creams or pessaries for four weeks. This is to prevent infection.
  1. Avoid swimming whilst you have a blood-stained discharge. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least 48 hours after treatment to prevent heavy bleeding occurring.
  1. If you have periods the next one may be heavy, and you may have some blood clots. This is normal. The most common effect is to have a profuse, brown, watery discharge which may last for several weeks.
  1. You may have some cramp-like discomfort following treatment. We usually recommend you take paracetamol as soon as you get home because when the local anaesthetic wears off, you may experience some discomfort. Take them according to the instructions and not exceed the stated dose. If the pain is severe (which is unlikely) contact the department on the numbers below.
  1. You may have some fresh bleeding after loop biopsy. If you bleed constantly, soaking two pads an hour with fresh blood, contact:-
    • Mon – Fri  8am – 5pm Colposcopy Clinic (0191) 2825670/2820140
    • Mon – Sun 5pm – 8pm (0191) 2821997
    • Mon – Sun 8pm – 8am (0191) 2825640
  1. Rarely the colposcopist packs the site of the biopsy with a clotting agent (Surgicel). Usually this is absorbed, but occasionally it may be passed as a clot. This should not alarm you; it is not a swab.
  1. It is vital that you continue to use your usual method of contraception, if needed.
  1. You will receive a letter informing you of the biopsy results. This will take approximately up to 4 weeks.
  1. Signs of infection, offensive discharge, fever or feeling unwell. Please ask your Practice Nurse to take a high vaginal swab to exclude infection.
  1. It is vitally important you have your next cervical sample (smear) in six months’ time when you are called to have it.
  1. If you have any queries or questions about your procedure when you leave the clinic, please telephone the Nurse Practitioners on 0191 2825670 or the Women’s Health Unit on 0191 2820140 Mon-Fri 08.30 – 17.00

Reviewed 2022 no change for review 2025
Reviewed by JLG Jul 2024 minor changes for review 2027