What to Expect During a Colposcopy and Biopsy (And How I Prepared for Mine)

TL;DR: A colposcopy is a closer look at your cervix after abnormal Pap results. It’s normal to feel scared. I’m right there with you — and I want to walk you through it with compassion, facts, and what’s helping me stay grounded.

When I got my recent Pap test results back and saw the words “abnormal cells” again, my heart sank.

It wasn’t the first time. As you know, I’ve lived with cervical abnormalities before — that’s actually how CervDefense was born. And generally, I’m a really healthy person. I eat anti-inflammatory foods, meditate, do breathwork, and try to stay away from sugar. But I’m also one of the many women with genetic variants (like MTHFR) that makes healing from HPV harder.

So when my doctor said I needed a colposcopy, I knew exactly what it meant — and I still felt scared.

So today, I want to offer a gentle guide: what a colposcopy is, what a biopsy might involve, and how to care for yourself through it — physically and emotionally.

What Is a Colposcopy?

A colposcopy is a simple in-office procedure that uses a special microscope to closely examine your cervix. It’s often recommended after an abnormal Pap test or positive high-risk HPV result.

During the colposcopy, your provider may:

• Swab your cervix with a vinegar solution (this helps highlight abnormal areas)

• Use a colposcope to look more closely

• Take a biopsy if anything looks unusual

What Does a Biopsy Feel Like?

If your provider takes a biopsy, they’ll remove a small sample of cervical tissue. You might feel a pinch or cramp — and then it’s over quickly. Some people feel fine afterward; others experience light spotting or mild cramping.

It’s okay to feel nervous. I do, too. You’re not alone.

My Plan for Getting Through It

💊 Supplement support
I’m back to taking CervDefense daily (yes, even I can admit I’m not always perfect about taking it!). But I know it’s designed to give me two things I need right now — support for cervical and immune health.

🧘♀️ Nervous system care
Meditation, yoga nidra, and slow walks help me stay grounded. I’m reminding myself that my body is wise and trying to heal.

🥬 Food as medicine
I’m eating lots of leafy greens, cruciferous veggies, garlic, and foods rich in antioxidants.

🤝 Support system
I’ve told a few trusted friends and asked them to check in after the appointment. You don’t have to go through this alone.

If You’re Going Through This Too…

I see you. I know the swirl of fear and “what ifs” that come with abnormal results. What helps me is remembering: I am doing everything I can. And that’s enough.

I’ll be sharing updates after my colposcopy on the CervDefense blog and newsletter. In the meantime, if you’re facing this too — take a breath. You’ve got this.

With love and solidarity,
Claire, FoundHer and CEO, CervDefense