Private Cervical Health • City of London
Private Colposcopy in London
Consultant-led assessment for abnormal cervical screening, high-risk HPV and cervical cell changes at LSDC Healthcare near Liverpool Street. From colposcopy and targeted biopsy through histology, treatment and follow-up, your cervical care is coordinated through one specialist pathway.
Understanding Your Referral
Why have I been referred for colposcopy?
Being referred for colposcopy does not mean that you have cervical cancer. The purpose of the examination is to look at the cervix more closely, understand any abnormal screening findings and decide whether monitoring, biopsy or treatment is needed.
Cervical screening
Abnormal smear result
Cervical screening may identify abnormal cell changes that need a more detailed examination before your consultant can determine whether any treatment is required.
HPV
High-risk or persistent HPV
High-risk HPV can be associated with cervical cell changes. Colposcopy allows the cervix to be examined directly and suspicious areas to be assessed more closely.
Symptoms
Cervical appearance or bleeding
Colposcopy may sometimes be recommended when the cervix looks unusual on examination or when symptoms such as bleeding after intercourse require more detailed cervical assessment.
Follow-up
Previous cervical cell changes
Patients who have previously had cervical abnormalities or treatment may need further colposcopic review as part of an appropriate surveillance or follow-up pathway.
The Examination
What happens during a colposcopy?
Colposcopy is a detailed examination of the cervix using a specialised magnifying instrument called a colposcope.
Your consultant first reviews your cervical screening, HPV results and relevant medical history. During the examination, a speculum is used to view the cervix and special solutions are applied to help highlight areas of abnormal cells.
If an area needs further assessment, your consultant may recommend taking a small targeted cervical biopsy. The sample is then sent to the laboratory for histological examination.
If abnormal cells are identified and treatment is appropriate, the next step may involve surveillance or cervical treatment such as LLETZ depending on the grade, extent and clinical context.
Your Visit
A clear cervical health pathway
From your screening result to diagnosis and follow-up, care is structured around understanding the cervical finding properly and avoiding unnecessary procedures.
Consultant review
Your smear, HPV results, symptoms, previous cervical history and relevant medical information are reviewed before examination.
Colposcopy
Your consultant examines the cervix under magnification and identifies whether any areas require closer assessment.
Biopsy if required
A targeted tissue sample may be taken when an area requires histological diagnosis rather than sampling routinely.
Results & next steps
Findings are reviewed with you and the appropriate pathway is agreed, whether reassurance, surveillance or treatment is recommended.
Understanding Biopsy Results
What do CIN1, CIN2 and CIN3 mean?
A cervical biopsy can identify abnormal cells and help determine their grade. CIN means cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. It describes pre-cancerous cell changes rather than cervical cancer itself.
Low-grade change
CIN1
CIN1 represents low-grade cervical cell changes. In many patients these changes can be monitored rather than treated immediately, depending on the wider clinical picture.
Moderate change
CIN2
CIN2 represents more significant cell changes. Management is individualised and may involve treatment or careful surveillance depending on factors such as age, findings and future pregnancy plans.
High-grade change
CIN3
CIN3 represents high-grade cervical cell changes. Treatment is commonly recommended to remove the affected area and reduce the risk of progression.
Your consultant will interpret the histology result alongside your cervical screening history and colposcopy findings before recommending treatment or surveillance.
If Treatment Is Required
What happens if abnormal cervical cells are found?
Finding abnormal cervical cells does not mean that you have cervical cancer. Your consultant considers the grade and extent of the changes, your previous results and your individual circumstances before recommending what should happen next.
Some low-grade changes may be monitored. Where higher-grade abnormal cells require removal, a common treatment is LLETZ, also known as LEEP.
Consultant-Led Gynaecology
Our consultant gynaecologists
LSDC brings together consultant gynaecologists with complementary expertise across cervical health, colposcopy, menstrual disorders, menopause, fertility, reproductive medicine and complex gynaecology.
Colposcopy & Cervical Health
Mr Oudai Ali
Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist
Mr Oudai Ali is an experienced lead colposcopist with specialist expertise in abnormal cervical screening, HPV follow-up, colposcopy, cervical biopsy, histology review and LLETZ treatment pathways. He has trained other clinicians to British certification in colposcopy.
Reproductive & Endocrine Gynaecology
Professor Bassel Wattar
Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist with expertise across fertility, PCOS, menstrual disorders, fibroids, menopause and reproductive health.
View Consultant ProfileMenopause & Ambulatory Gynaecology
Ms Esha Saha
Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist with expertise in menopause, abnormal bleeding, endometrial assessment and outpatient gynaecology.
View Consultant ProfileFertility & Reproductive Medicine
Dr Efstathios Theodorou
Consultant Gynaecologist and Fertility Specialist providing care across fertility, recurrent miscarriage, PCOS and reproductive medicine.
View Consultant ProfileGeneral & Complex Gynaecology
Ms Luxmi Velauthar
Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist with broad expertise in menstrual disorders, pelvic pain, menopause, recurrent miscarriage and complex women’s health.
View Consultant ProfileFees & Payment
Private colposcopy cost in London
Guide pricing is shown so you can understand the likely pathway before booking. The final cost depends on whether diagnostic assessment alone is required or whether biopsy or treatment becomes clinically appropriate.
Diagnostic
From £690
Diagnostic colposcopy
Consultant-led assessment and detailed colposcopic examination for abnormal screening, HPV-related concerns or cervical changes.
With tissue sampling
From £940
Colposcopy with biopsy
Consultant assessment, colposcopy and targeted cervical biopsy with histology where tissue sampling is clinically indicated.
With treatment
From £1,500
Colposcopy with treatment
Consultant-led colposcopy and treatment of abnormal cervical cells within a structured pathway where clinically appropriate.
Private medical insurance may cover colposcopy and related investigation depending on your insurer, policy, consultant and authorisation. Self-pay and insured patients are both welcome.
Insured and self-pay patients welcome.
LSDC Healthcare works with a range of major private medical insurers. Patients without insurance are also welcome to arrange consultations and investigations directly with us.
Insurance benefits, exclusions, excesses and pre-authorisation requirements vary between policies. Patients should confirm individual cover directly with their insurer before treatment.
After Your Appointment
Recovery after colposcopy and cervical biopsy
Recovery depends on whether you have examination alone, a biopsy or treatment. Your consultant will give you advice specific to what was performed.
After colposcopy
Most patients can leave shortly after their appointment. Mild discomfort, light bleeding or discharge can occur for a short period after examination.
After a biopsy
A biopsy may cause mild cramping, spotting or discharge. Your consultant will explain any temporary precautions and what symptoms would require medical advice.
Your results
If tissue is taken, it is sent for histological examination. Your results are then interpreted in the context of your smear, HPV and colposcopy findings before the next step is recommended.
LSDC Healthcare
A couple of minutes outside Liverpool St Station, this excellent facility is conveniently located for Medical consultations in London.
This facility is open during the evenings making it an excellent choice for busy professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Private colposcopy in London
Common questions after an abnormal cervical screening or HPV result.
Does an abnormal smear mean I have cervical cancer?
No. An abnormal cervical screening result does not mean that you have cervical cancer. Screening identifies HPV and cell changes that may require closer assessment, monitoring or treatment.
Why have I been referred for colposcopy?
Colposcopy is commonly recommended following abnormal cervical screening, high-risk HPV findings, persistent HPV or when the cervix requires more detailed examination.
Is colposcopy painful?
Colposcopy is usually well tolerated. You may notice some discomfort from the speculum or mild stinging when solutions are applied. If a biopsy is taken, brief pinching or cramping can occur.
Will I need a cervical biopsy?
Not everyone needs a biopsy. Your consultant may recommend a targeted biopsy if an area of the cervix needs histological assessment.
What are CIN1, CIN2 and CIN3?
CIN describes abnormal cervical cell changes rather than cervical cancer. CIN1 is low grade, CIN2 represents more significant changes and CIN3 represents high-grade changes. Management depends on the grade and your individual clinical circumstances.
Can abnormal cells be treated at the same appointment?
In selected patients, treatment may be possible during the same colposcopy visit where it is clinically appropriate. In other cases, biopsy or previous results need to be reviewed before treatment is planned.
What is LLETZ?
LLETZ, also called LEEP, is a common treatment used to remove abnormal cervical cells. It may be recommended for higher-grade cervical changes depending on your colposcopy and biopsy findings.
How much does private colposcopy cost at LSDC?
LSDC currently lists diagnostic colposcopy from £690, colposcopy with biopsy from £940 and colposcopy with treatment from £1,500. These are guide prices and final fees depend on the individual pathway required.
Can I have colposcopy if I am pregnant?
Colposcopy can be performed during pregnancy when clinically indicated. Pregnancy affects how cervical assessment, biopsy and treatment are planned, so you should tell your consultant if you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
Is private colposcopy covered by medical insurance?
Colposcopy may be covered by private medical insurance depending on your policy and authorisation. Coverage for consultation, biopsy, histology and treatment should be confirmed with your insurer before the appointment.
Where is LSDC Healthcare?
LSDC Healthcare is at 23 Widegate Street, London E1 7HP, close to Liverpool Street Station in the City of London.
