Cryosurgery is a method of destroying diseased tissue by freezing the cervix. It is performed as an office procedure using a probe. The probe has a silver tip which is placed against the tissue and the freezing is started. The tip of the probe reaches a low temperature required to treat the area. You may notice the sound of air passing through the probe. This is normal and is the sound of the refrigerant gas which cools the tip.
Why Cryosurgery?
The doctor feels that in your case it is the best method to use! In addition to the absence of pain associated with this treatment, other benefits include:
- Absence of scarring and stenosis, thus avoiding complications during subsequent childbirth
- Almost nonexistent post-treatment infection
- Treatment can be conducted with an IUD in place
Generally little pain is felt. Occasionally some patients experience a mild cramping depending on the location and size of the area being treated.
Recovery
- There might be slight cramping for 2-3 days
- There is almost always a profuse watery discharge requiring several pad changes daily
- The discharge may be bloody, particularly during the first 10-21 days after the procedure, tapering off as healing proceeds
- Healing may take as long as 6-8 weeks
- During healing, for the first month, do not have sexual intercourse, do not wear tampons, and do not douche
- If you bleed more than your normal menstrual period, call the office