Cryotherapy for cervical cancer is a medical procedure that involves using freezing gas to kill precancerous cells in the cervix. The body can then regenerate healthy cells.

Cryotherapy, also known as cryosurgery or cryo, can help treat several different conditions. A doctor may recommend the technique if a person has precancerous cells in their cervix. It may help prevent the development of cervical cancer.

Keep reading for more information on how and when doctors use cryotherapy for cervical cancer, what a person needs to do to prepare, how the procedure works, and more.

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Cryotherapy can help prevent cervical cancer from developing by killing precancerous cells.

The cervix then grows back healthy cells in place of these cells.

The procedure can helpTrusted Source manage lesions of limited size and depth. Larger or deeper lesions will likely require different treatment methods.

Doctors may recommendTrusted Source cryotherapy for precancerous cells that may develop into cervical cancer cells. They may also recommend the procedure for smaller lesions.

In some cases, a doctor may recommend watchful waiting instead of cryotherapy or other treatments. In this case, they will provide more frequent evaluations of the cells. They may recommend treatments, such as cryotherapy, if changes occur.

Cryotherapy is an outpatient procedure that healthcare professionals typically perform in a doctor’s office.

A person needs to discuss any preparations with their doctor beforehand. During the discussion, they need to let them know of any medications or supplements they are currently taking.

It is also important to ensure that the individual has somebody to take them home afterward.

Individuals may want to bring menstrual pads in case of bloody or watery discharge following the procedure.

During cryotherapy, the doctor inserts a speculumTrusted Source into the vagina to spread the vaginal walls, making room for the probe. They may then examine the cervix for abnormalities and to ensure they do not miss anything during the procedure.

They will then insert a cryoprobeTrusted Source into the vagina and press it against the cervix. Nitrogen gas cools the metal drastically, creating an ice ball on the cervix that kills the atypical cells.

When the instrument cools down, a person may experience chills or cramping. Typically, people can go home soon after the procedure.

A person can expect some watery brown discharge following the procedure for a few weeksTrusted Source.

Some possible side effects of cryotherapy for cancer include:

  • light vaginal bleeding, which may last for up to 4 weeks
  • cramping
  • pain

A doctor can advise when a person can engage in sexual intercourse following the procedure.

A person who is pregnant or may be pregnant needs to let a doctor know. They will likely recommend holding off on the procedure until after the pregnancy due to possible risks.

Common side effects include:

  • pain
  • swelling
  • blistering
  • cramping
  • bleeding

Although uncommon, an infection may also occur. In rare cases, cryotherapy can cause long-term numbness or scarring.

A person needs to inform a doctor if they develop any complications that may be due to cryotherapy.

What is the first period after cryotherapy like?

Following cryotherapy, a person may notice a heavier menstrual flow due to the presence of additional discharge. During this time, they need to avoid using tampons.

Does HPV go away after cryotherapy?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for about 99%Trusted Source of all cervical cancers. Cryotherapy can remove precancerous cells, but it does not cure an HPV infection.

Cryotherapy for cervical cancer can remove precancerous cells and lesions.

A doctor can perform the procedure in an outpatient setting. Before the treatment, a person needs to discuss their medications and other concerns with a doctor before the procedure.

Following cryotherapy, individuals may experience minimal cramping or pain as well as watery discharge from the vagina.

A person needs to let a doctor know if they experience symptoms that may indicate an infection following the procedure.