Cryotherapy for My Cervical Lesion: A Personal Account

In 2003, my gynecologist performed a routine pap smear during my annual pelvic exam and found some abnormal cervical cells on my specimen. After another pap smear a few months later revealed similar results, he investigated further. It turned out I had a small non-cancerous lesion on my cervix. It would be removed by a procedure known as cryotherapy.

What is cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy (or cryosurgery) refers to a technique in which tissue is frozen so it can be removed or destroyed. Liquid nitrogen is cooled to about -20 degrees Celsius and applied to the area being destroyed. Cryotherapy is used for such procedures as removing tumors, warts, and lesions as well as controlling bleeding.

How do you prepare for cryotherapy for a cervical lesion?

My gynecologist was able to perform the cryotherapy in his office, so I didn't need to be admitted to a separate health care center. He did advise me to do two things before I had the procedure. First, he told me to take an aspirin about ½ hour before the cryotherapy. The reason being was that after the procedure, I may have some pelvic discomfort similar to menstrual cramps. The aspirin would provide preventative care. He also advised me to wear a sanitary pad for a few hours after the procedure in case I had spotting or bleeding. Some doctors advise waiting 2-3 weeks before having intercourse again, but this was not an issue for me at the time.

How long did it take?

The entire procedure only took about 15 minutes. I was in and out of the doctor's office in less than 1 hour. But my gynecologist had some medical students with him during the surgery. So unless you volunteer in the name of science like I did, your experience may be shorter than mine!

Was it uncomfortable or painful?

There was some minor discomfort during the procedure itself but nothing worse than having to go through a yearly pelvic exam. In fact, you sit in the same position for cryotherapy as you do for a pelvic exam. I forgot to take the aspirin he recommended and yes I did have painful cramps about an hour after I left his office. I remembered the sanitary pad, but I had very little spotting afterward. Some women have more bleeding or discharge for days, even weeks, after their cryotherapy. This was not my experience.

Follow up

A pap smear 3 months later showed no abnormal cervical cells. In fact, my pap smears have been normal since then.

Sources:

Planned Parenthood, Cervical Cryotherapy

Yahoo! Health, Cryosurgery

Personal experience