Private Colposcopy in London
HPV Colposcopy Cervical screening
Our private colposcopy service in London is consultant‑led, offering rapid assessment, accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment plans tailored to your needs. Appointments are available at Harley Street and partner clinics, with same‑day biopsies arranged when clinically necessary and clear follow‑up explained by your consultant.
Our Specialist:
- Dr Ashfaq Khan
Contact our Consultants if you have:
Positive HPV test result
Abnormal Cytology / Smear test result
Irregular bleeding / Bleeding during or after sex
Bleeding in between periods
You felt or GP/ Nurse suggested that your cervix looks or feels abnormal
Previous history of abnormal smear / HPV / Loop and you like to have a review
What is HPV?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the name of a common virus.
It is responsible for cancer of:
Cervix
Anal Canal (back passage)
Vulva
Vagina
Throat and lining of mouth
We know of over 200 types of HPV and around 40 of them are related to Genital Infections. 8 in 10 of us get HPV at some point in our lives. In most cases, our immune system gets rid of HPV within 2 years without it causing any problems.
There 17 types of High Risk HPV that are responsible for Lower Genital tract Pre cancer and Cancer. Five of them are more common than others.
What is abnormal Smear?
If your HPV test result is positive or you are having health check up this test is usually done as co testing. The report tells us about the extent of abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix. The accuracy of this test varies in different Laboratories / regions / countries.
Though it is not a reliable way to testing cervical pre cancer / cancer – but provides important information about the nature of abnormal changes.
Types of changes are 1. Borderline Abnormal 2. LSIL (Low grade dyskaryosis and Moderate Dyskaryosis) 3. HSIL (High Grade Dyskaryosis 4. Abnormal Glandular Cells 5 Suspected cancer cells etc.
What is colposcopy?
Colposcopy is an examination to take a closer look at your cervix. A specially trained and certified consultant conducts the examination.
Colposcopy is used to both diagnose and treat cell changes (abnormal cells). If you need treatment, you may be invited to a separate appointment for treatment.
Colposcopy helps identify whether cell changes need treatment to stop this happening.
You do not need special preparation. In the 24 hours before the appointment, they should avoid having sex or using anything inside the vagina. That includes medications, lubricants, tampons and menstrual cups
This can be done during or after period or during pregnancy.
Examination time is usually 7-8 minutes. If you need biopsy it may take up to 15 minutes.
Why do I need Punch Biopsy?
If you need a biopsy, Consultant will explain this to you before you have one. Some people find it uncomfortable, but it shouldn't be painful. A tiny sample of tissue (smaller than a grain of rice) is taken from your cervix. Sample (s) is then send the tissue to a laboratory for testing.
If you're nervous about having a biopsy, it's sometimes possible to have the area numbed (local anaesthetic).
What is CIN 1, CIN 2, CIN 3?
CIN stands for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia affecting squamous cells (flat cells) on the skin of the cervix. It is important to know that CIN is not cervical cancer. CIN may be monitored or treated, depending on the grade and your personal situation.
CIN is graded from 1 to 3. The number shows how deep the cell changes go into the outer surface of the cervix. Sometimes, the terms low grade or high grade are also used.
CIN 1 (Low Grade)
Cell changes are one-third deep into the outer surface of the cervix. It is usually monitored with repeat colposcopy / smear/ HPV tests. If it is persistent for long time then can be treated.
CIN2 (High Grade)
Cell changes are two-third (2/3) deep into the outer surface of the cervix.
CIN2 can be either monitored or treated. Our Consultants will make a recommendation based on your personal situation and preference.
CIN3 (High Grade)
Cell changes are the full depth of the outer surface of the cervix. CIN3 is recommended to be treated as there is high risk of progression to Cancer.
Private colposcopy in London — book now
For consultant‑led private colposcopy in London with expert assessment and rapid follow‑up, contact Harley Street Gynaecology. Call 0208 050 6063 or Book Online to arrange a private colposcopy appointment with Dr Ashfaq Khan or another specialist consultant. We accept major private insurers and can accommodate female‑only clinician requests.
Colposcopy & Cervical Health — FAQs
Colposcopy is an examination to take a closer look at your cervix using magnification. A specially trained consultant conducts the examination. It is used to assess and, when needed, biopsy abnormal cells.
Typical examination time is 7–8 minutes. If a biopsy is taken, the appointment may take up to 15 minutes.
In the 24 hours before your appointment, avoid sexual intercourse and intravaginal products such as medications, lubricants, tampons and menstrual cups.
No other special preparation is needed.
Yes. Colposcopy can be performed during or after a period and during pregnancy. If you have specific concerns, please let your consultant know when booking.
Most people find it uncomfortable rather than painful. If you are nervous or sensitive, local anaesthetic can be used to numb the area.
A tiny sample (smaller than a grain of rice) may be taken and sent to a laboratory for testing.
CIN stands for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. It is not cervical cancer, but describes the depth of cell changes on the cervix:
- CIN1 (Low Grade): changes affect the outer third. Usually monitored; persistent cases may be treated.
- CIN2 (High Grade): changes affect up to two‑thirds. May be monitored or treated based on personal factors.
- CIN3 (High Grade): full thickness changes. Generally recommended for treatment due to higher risk of progression.
An abnormal smear (cytology) indicates changes in cervical cells, often assessed alongside HPV testing (co‑testing). Categories include borderline changes, LSIL, HSIL, abnormal glandular cells and, rarely, suspected cancer cells.
Cytology accuracy can vary between laboratories, regions and countries. It remains useful context, while colposcopy clarifies whether treatment is needed.
Consider booking if you have any of the following:
- Positive HPV test result
- Abnormal smear (cytology) result
- Bleeding during or after sex (postcoital bleeding)
- Bleeding between periods (intermenstrual bleeding)
- A cervix that looks or feels abnormal on examination
- Previous history of abnormal smear/HPV/loop treatment and you want a review
Book Online or call 0208 050 6063.
CLINICS
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Harley Street Clinic: 25 Harley Street, Central London, W1G 9QW
Portland Hospital: 215 Great Portland Street, Central London, W1W 5AH
Japanese Corporate Clients: 234-236 Hendon Way, London NW4 3NE
Highgate Hospital: 17-19 View Road, North London, N6 4DJ
Harley Street Gynaecology is registered as a limited company in England and Wales under company number 08306857.
