Cervical Cryotherapy

Why might I need cervical cryotherapy? 

Cervical cryotherapy may be done if a Pap test and colposcopy show abnormal cells on the cervix. Here are some of the problems cervical cryotherapy treats:

• Dysplasia. This occurs when cells in the cervix change in ways that aren’t normal. This is often caused by a sexually transmitted virus called HPV (human papillomavirus).

• Warts (condyloma). These can grow on the cervix. These are also caused by HPV.

• Chronic cervicitis. This is a recurring inflammation of the cervix.

What are the risks of cervical cryotherapy?

Risks of cervical cryotherapy are fairly low. They may include:

• Bleeding

• Infection

• Scarring of the cervix

• The need for further treatment

How do I get ready for cervical cryotherapy?

Cervical cryotherapy is most often an office procedure. It will be scheduled for a day when you’re not having your menstrual period. You may be asked to sign a consent form before the procedure. You may also be given special instructions, including the following:

• Avoid sex, tampons, douching, and creams or other vaginal medicine for a few days before your procedure.

• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever an hour before your appointment.

• Pee before the procedure.

What happens during cervical cryotherapy?

• You will be asked to lie on an exam table with your feet in stirrups, just as you do for a Pap test.

• An instrument called a speculum is inserted into the vagina to hold it open.

• A local anesthetic may be used to numb your cervix.

• A thin probe is held on the cervix. This creates a ball of ice that freezes and kills the tissue. This step may be done a few times.

• You will likely have cramps while the ice is touching your cervix. Tell your healthcare provider if the cramps are too uncomfortable.

• You may feel lightheaded. This will go away when the procedure is over. You can rest on the exam table until you feel better.

What happens after cervical cryotherapy?

• You will have thin, watery discharge after treatment. You may also have some light bleeding.

• Use pads, not tampons, immediately after the procedure. Ask your healthcare provider when it’s OK to use tampons again.

• The cervical tissue can bleed easily as it heals. To protect it, you may be told not to have sex, douche, or exercise for a certain amount of time.

When should I call my healthcare provider?

Call your healthcare provider if you have:

• A fever of  100.4°F ( 38°C) or higher, or as directed by your healthcare provider

• Abdominal cramps or pelvic pain for more than 24 hours

• Foul-smelling discharge

• Heavy vaginal bleeding

Follow-up care

You can probably return to your normal routine right after cervical cryotherapy. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions while your cervix is healing. You’ll likely have a follow-up appointment 4 to 6 weeks after treatment to make sure you’re healing well. At a later visit, another Pap test or colposcopy may be done to ensure that treatment was successful.