[The infected cervix]

Cervico-vaginal infections while easily identified, can in certain cases, in fact quite frequently, be under-diagnosed because of the absence of visible symptoms. Colposcopic access to the cervix or vagina can aid diagnosis of cervico-vaginal infections but may not be adequate to pinpoint the agent of the infection except in certain cases such as Herpes and HPV. On the other hand, cervical-vaginal infections can impede a colposcopic interpretation such as identifying the squamo-columnar junction or the location of a directed biopsy. Cervical infections can equally cause unexpected complications (notably Haemorrhagie or pelvic infections) during or after surgical Colposcopic procedures.