Understanding Cryotherapy

What is Cryotherapy?
Because you have had mild or moderate changes in the cells of your cervix, your doctor has recommended cryotherapy. Cryotherapy is a freezing procedure that destroys abnormal cells. In about six or eight weeks, healthy cells will replace those that were frozen and destroyed.

Cryotherapy is done by appointment in the Gynecology Clinic. The procedure should be scheduled in the first two weeks after your period starts.

How is Cryotherapy Done?
A speculum will be inserted in your vagina so the doctor may see your cervix. A round metal probe is gently placed on the cervix. You will hear a soft hissing sound caused by a special gas circulating in the probe. This gas provides the freezing temperatures. The procedure takes about 5-10 minutes.

What Will I Feel?
You may experience a dull cramping sensation similar to menstrual cramps. These will usually subside in ten to fifteen minutes. Some women may experience mild cramping throughout the day. Because the extreme cold on the cervix acts like an anesthetic, medication is rarely needed.

What Should I Expect After Cryotherapy?
In most cases the cervix heals and will be covered by normal cells within eight weeks.

You will have a large amount of watery vaginal discharge for at least two to three weeks. You may need to change pads up to six or eight times a day at first. Your next period may be somewhat heavier because the watery discharge mixes with the menstrual flow.

You may have some bleeding for twenty-four hours after cryotherapy, then spotting up to two weeks afterwards.

NO INTERCOURSE, TAMPONS OR DOUCHING FOR AT LEAST TWO WEEKS AFTER THE WATERY DISCHARGE STOPS. This precaution is necessary to reduce the risk of infection and bleeding. If you have any fever or pain after treatment, call the clinic immediately.

Follow-up
A follow-up examination that includes a Pap smear will be scheduled in four months, then every three months for one year and every six months the second year.

KEEPING YOUR APPOINTMENTS IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PARTS OF YOUR CARE.

Should you have any questions about your appointment or any problems following cryotherapy, please call the Gynecology Clinic 319-356-2294 or 356-3146 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. At other times call 319-356-1616 and ask for the Gynecology resident on call.

Peer Review Status: Internally
Peer Review Date: 2004