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Cryotherapy

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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, as well as for other reasons.

How is cryotherapy done?

  1. A plastic speculum is put into your vagina. This is so the doctor can see your cervix..
  2. Numbing medicine is injected into the cervix.
  3. A round metal probe is gently put on the cervix.
    1. You will hear a soft hissing sound caused by a special gas circulating in the probe. This gas freezes the cells.
  4. This takes about 5 to 10 minutes.

What will I feel?

  • You may have a dull cramping, like menstrual 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 provider instructions or as the package directs.

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 up to 2 weeks.
  • You will have a large amount of watery vaginal discharge for at least 2 to 3 weeks.
    • You may need to change pads 6 or 8 times a day at first.
    • 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.
  • Call the clinic if you have:
    • Fever
    • Pain after treatment
    • Foul-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.

Call:

  • The Obstetrics Gynecology Clinic at 319-356-2294 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 
  • For urgent questions or concerns
    • Call toll-free at 800-777-8442, 24 hours a day
    • Ask for the gynecology resident on call.
    • You may be asked some questions when using the toll-free number.

Send a MyChart message for non-urgent questions or concerns.