Hysteroscopy vs. Colposcopy — What's the Difference?

Hysteroscopy is the inspection of the uterine cavity by endoscopy with access through the cervix. It allows for the diagnosis of intrauterine pathology and serves as a method for surgical intervention (operative hysteroscopy).

Colposcopy (Ancient Greek: κόλπος, romanized: kolpos, lit. 'hollow, womb, vagina' + skopos "look at") is a medical diagnostic procedure to visually examine the cervix as well as the vagina and vulva using a colposcope.The main goal of colposcopy is to prevent cervical cancer by detecting and treating precancerous lesions early. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common infection and the underlying cause for most cervical cancers.

(medicine) The examination of the uterus using a hysteroscope

Examination of the vaginal and cervical epithelia by means of a colposcope.

Visual examination of the uterus and uterine lining using an endoscope inserted through the vagina

(medicine) the examination of the tissues of the vagina and cervix using a colposcope