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Health A-Z

Medical Content Created by the Faculty of the
Harvard Medical School

Risks

The colposcopy examination itself (without biopsy) has no risks. With biopsy, there is a small risk of bleeding and infection, which might require additional treatment. If a biopsy was done, you might have some cramping and discharge or light bleeding from the vagina for a few days. The discharge will be grainy and black (or sometimes gray) if a chemical solution was used to stop bleeding.

From Health A-Z, Harvard Health Publications. Copyright 2007 by the President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Written permission is required to reproduce, in any manner, in whole or in part, the material contained herein. To make a reprint request, contact Harvard Health Publications. Used with permission of StayWell.

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