A colposcopy is a way to test for cervical cancer. It involves opening the vagina with a speculum, prepping the cervix, and observing the area through a colposcope, which shines a light on the cervix and allows your doctor to get a close look at the tissue. 

The colposcope doesn’t enter your body. If abnormal cells are detected, your doctor will collect a sample from your cervix for testing.