Our last blog discussed colposcopy due to an abnormal pap test. This is a follow-up blog touching on cryotherapy, a procedure advised when colposcopy shows abnormal cervix changes.
Cryotherapy destroys abnormal tissue on the cervix by using liquid carbon dioxide (CO2), which is super cold, to freeze the tissue. It is a relatively simple and short procedure that takes place in-office.
Many of our patients are unfamiliar with cryotherapy, and of course are concerned about anything associated with cervical cancer. We hope this information will help you understand why you are having the procedure and what you can expect.
First, cryotherapy is not an uncommon procedure – it is highly effective. You will be able to return to work and resume normal activities the next day.
No special preparation is necessary though we will discuss some after-procedure restrictions (see below).
Cryotherapy requires you to be positioned just as you are for any vaginal test: feet in stirrups and a speculum in place.
Cervical cryotherapy causes some minor discomfort:
- most women experience a sensation of cold and some cramping
- some women feel a sense of warmth spreading to the upper body and face
We recommend you drink lots of water in the days following the procedure. Let us know if you experience cramping so that we can advise an appropriate pain reliever.
For about 2 to 3 weeks following cryotherapy, you can expect a watery vaginal discharge, which may be heavy and mixed with some blood. You should use pads instead of tampons while the discharge lasts. And you should avoid both sexual intercourse and douching during this period.
Call your All About Women GYN physician if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- A fever or chills
- Moderate to heavy bleeding (more than you normally have during menstruation)
- Pelvic pain (increasing)
- Foul-smelling or yellowish vaginal discharge (this may indicate infection)
It is important to have regular follow-up pap tests after cryotherapy. Pap tests should be repeated every 4 to 6 months. Once several pap tests results in a row are normal, a longer period of time between tests will be advised.
Cryotherapy is relatively risk-free and produces fewer complications than any other gynecological procedure, so try not to worry about the procedure itself.
