Why is anesthetic not routinely used during a cervical biopsy?

Two days ago, I had my first colposcopy with three cervical biopsies and a culture.
I have a reasonably high pain threshold, but...the colposcopy was pretty uncomfortable, but manageable (I felt like my cervix was being crushed). The main thing is that the biopsies hurt... A LOT!
The worst part of it is that my doctor did not prepare me AT ALL. I have found it very helpful in the past if a doctor says, "Okay, this may hurt a bit, take a deep breath now..." --or whatever.
To call the pain of a biopsy a "pinch" is as absolutely ridiculous (and as offensive) as calling a migraine "just a headache." (And I believe that anyone who would call a cervical biopsy just a "pinch" probably has never had one themselves!)
I don't want to add to anyone's fear or anxiety, though. I survived, though a bit rattled and shaky from the pain. And a bit more than a little angry.
The good news is that the colposcopy/biopsy should be over pretty quickly.
I would definitely recommend taking an ibuprofen before, or requesting sedation. Check with your doctor about ibuprofen, because you don't want to be thinning your blood too much prior to the procedure. (And if you get sedation, you won't be able to drive yourself home, and the sedation itself might make you a bit ill. UGH!)
I just don't understand why there isn't anything like a topical anesthetic (not an injection) that can take the edge off the pain. (?!)
Welcome to the limits of "modern" (Western) Medicine, I guess. Especially women's medicine.
Wishing everyone good luck and good health. :-)

OMG! I have been looking for others who understand!! I am currently refusing to get a biopsy done. The anxiety over the last several months is overwhelming; cancer or biopsy? the lesser of two evils/nightmares? I had one done about twenty years ago, and will NEVER have another done without being put out. Yes, it's painful! Anyone who says otherwise has not had one done! To add insult to ingury; I passed out, while getting dressed, and came to in a room with tools strewn across the floor, alone.

I had a cervical biopsy, the pain I felt was insane! I thought I was going to go through the exam table! I cried and thought I was going to faint coming off the elevator. It felt like a knife had sliced my cervix. I drove home in pain and cried all the way. The pain didn't subside until the pain pill I got from the emergency room a few days earlier kicked in. I will never have that done again, I'll die first!

I just had a cervical biopsy and told that it would cause cramping for about 5 minutes. The doctor was having trouble getting the tissue and continued to try. It was then that I started screaming and writhing with some of the worst pain I have ever felt in my life and was seconds away from passing out from the pain. I had to lay there for about 15 minutes, drenched in sweat until I could gather up enough strength to sit up. I sat for a while, fanned myself and drank some water but ended up having to lie down again. I think I tried to gain my wits about me for about a 1/2 hour. The bad cramping that happened afterwords lasted for 2 1/2 hour. I am so angry right now. Women should be warned of the possible pain, that anesthesia is an option and if they are going to have this procedure be prepared to have someone with them in case you can't drive home.
Jennifer H.

I agree with all comments, the doctor said it would be just a pinch. No it was much worse than a pinch it hurt like H*** They really need to rethink this process. I never want to go through this procedure again.