Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy the application of cold as a medical therapy and is used to treat an ectropion. An ectropion is when the delicate cells that line your cervical canal (entrance to your uterus/womb) spread out onto the surface of your cervix. Freezing this area on your cervix helps growth of the tougher, thicker tissue. This tougher tissue is less likely to bleed during sex or produce excessive vaginal discharge.

First, you will have a colposcopy (a test to take a closer look at your cervix) to identify the ectropion.

A cold probe is applied to the ectropion for 30 seconds. This creates a ball of ice that freezes and kills the delicate cells. This step may be repeated a few times.

You may experience some mild cramps during the treatment, but no pain. You do not need a local anaesthetic to have cryotherapy.

You are welcome to have someone with you for support.

Cryotherapy is a simple and safe technique which can give excellent results.

You can have cryotherapy again in the future if you need to.

Bleeding: There is a small risk of heavy bleeding (for example soaking through a sanitary pad every hour).

Infection: A small number of people will get an infection. Symptoms include painful cramps, a high temperature and/or smelly discharge.

Cervical stenosis: There is a very small risk that the opening of the cervix will become narrowed due to scarring. This risk increases if you have been through menopause or have had a treatment on your cervix before. This can cause painful periods, difficulty conceiving or the cervix not to open well during labour.

Treatment failure: For some people treated with cryotherapy, it may only offer partial relief of the bleeding/discharge symptoms, or the positive effects may be temporary.

You may experience some or none of the following:

• some mild period-type pain for a few hours.
• a very watery, blood-stained discharge which could last up to 4 weeks.
• you may feel light headed/faint after your treatment. If you have a tendency to faint, we advise you arrange for a friend or relative to be with you to go home afterwards.

If you are concerned that you are bleeding heavily or have an infection, please contact your GP, or Ward B11 (available 24 hours a day) on 01709 424349.

Until all discharge has stopped it is recommended to avoid:

• penetrative vaginal sex - including fingers, tongues and other objects
• tampons or menstrual cups - you can use pads instead
• heavy exercise that causes you to sweat
• swimming and hot tubs
• baths - you can shower as normal

• Make sure you eat and drink something before your appointment.
• You will be safe to drive following cryotherapy, unless advised otherwise by the colposcopist.
• You can return to work as soon as you feel able.
• If you have a contraceptive coil, it may be left in place. The treatment will not affect its use.
• Advise your colposcopist of any upcoming holidays, as it may affect your care plan. We may need to delay cryotherapy until after your return home, because of the risk of bleeding and infection. In addition, some travel insurance companies may not provide you with cover immediately following cryotherapy.
• If you are pregnant then we prefer not to do any treatment on your cervix. We will rearrange a date, usually three months after your baby is born.
• If you are having your period we can still carry out cryotherapy if your bleeding is light. Please call the Colposcopy Office or Greenoaks for advice before cancelling your appointment.

You will be discharged back to the care of your GP. If you continue to experience abnormal bleeding after the healing period of 4 weeks, please contact your GP.

Appointments

Colposcopy Secretaries

01709 424300
Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm
Email: rgh-tr.rotherham.colposcopy@nhs.net 

Health advice

Greenoaks

01709 427641
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

More information

British Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology