Commonly asked questions
What is cryotherapy?
- It is a freezing procedure that destroys abnormal cells.
- In about 6 or 8 weeks, healthy cells replace those that were frozen and destroyed.
- It is often done after cervical dysplasia is diagnosed (when abnormal cells grow on the surface of the cervix), as well as for other reasons.
How is cryotherapy done?
- A plastic speculum is put into your vagina. This is so the doctor can see your cervix.
- Numbing medicine is injected into the cervix.
- A round metal probe is gently put on the cervix.
- You will hear a soft hissing sound caused by a special gas circulating in the probe. This gas freezes the cells. - This takes about 5 to 10 minutes.
What will I feel?
- You may have dull cramping, like menstrual (period) cramps. These will go away in 10 to 15 minutes. Some people have mild cramping the rest of the day.
- Take over-the-counter medicines to lessen cramping. Follow your doctor’s instructions or the instructions on the package.
What should I expect after cryotherapy?
- Do not have sex, use tampons, or douche for at least 2 weeks or until the watery discharge stops. This lowers your risk of infection and bleeding.
- You may have some bleeding for 24 hours. Then you may have spotting for up to 2 weeks.
- You will have a large amount of watery vaginal discharge for at least 2 to 3 weeks.
- At first, you may need to change pads 6 to 8 times each day.
- Your next period may be somewhat heavier because the watery discharge mixes with the menstrual flow.
- In most cases, the cervix heals and will be covered by normal cells within 8 weeks.
When should I call the care team?
- Fever
- Pain
- Bad-smelling discharge
Follow-up
- Have follow-up Pap smears if cryotherapy was done for cervical dysplasia.
- Keep all your appointments. This is important to your care.