Cryotherapy can play an essential role in maintaining your cervical health. The skilled doctors at Southeast Texas OB/GYN Associates, PA in Beaumont, Texas utilize advanced treatment options like cryotherapy to stop the development of precancerous or diseased cervical cells.
Cryotherapy Q & A
Cryotherapy or cryosurgery uses liquid nitrogen in a procedure that destroys precancerous or diseased cells on the cervix. Once unhealthy cells are destroyed, your body works to replace them with healthy, new cells.
Doctors use this method to treat vaginal, endometrial, cervical, and vulvar lesions. It also has an estimated success rate of more than 80%.
A cryotherapy appointment is similar to a pelvic exam in that you lie on a table with your feet supported in stirrups. Your doctor inserts a speculum into your vagina to view your cervix. At this time, your doctor may use a colposcope to magnify your cervix so they can see the abnormal cells better.
Once your doctor locates the cells, they press a cryoprobe against your cervix. The cryoprobe has liquid nitrogen inside, so it creates a small ball of ice on the cervix that kills the abnormal cells.
Your doctor will leave the cryoprobe against your cervix for approximately three minutes to ensure the best results. Then they remove it, and the cervix is allowed to thaw for several minutes before repeating the process.
You may experience mild cramping or chills during the procedure. Your doctor may recommend taking an over-the-counter pain reliever before your appointment.
Following the procedure, you may feel weak or light-headed. It’s recommended that you plan ahead and have someone who can drive you home afterward, just in case.
You may experience blood-streaked or watery vaginal discharge for several weeks, but most activities can be resumed immediately following the procedure. While your cervix heals, your doctor will ask you to avoid using tampons, vaginal intercourse, douches, and other items that you might insert into the vagina.
You’ll schedule a follow-up Pap test to confirm that the abnormal cells have been destroyed.
Cryotherapy is typically safe, though you may experience cramping during the procedure. Some women also feel light-headed, but this usually passes after a few minutes.
Having a watery discharge for a few weeks after the procedure is normal. But if you experience abdominal pain, chills, high fever, or strange, foul-smelling discharge after cryotherapy treatment, contact your gynecologist immediately.
Call or schedule an appointment online with Southeast Texas OB/GYN Associates, PA today.