Cryotherapy of the Cervix: What to Expect at Home
Your Recovery
After the procedure, you may have mild cramps for several hours. You may also have a watery vaginal discharge for up to 12 hours. After that, the watery discharge may turn yellow. It can last for 2 to 3 weeks.
If you have bleeding or spotting, you can use a sanitary pad.
This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for you to recover. But each person recovers at a different pace. Follow the steps below to feel better as quickly as possible.
How can you care for yourself at home?
Activity
- On the day of the procedure, you may want to take the afternoon off from work.
- You can do all of your usual activities.
Medicines
- Your doctor will tell you if and when you can restart your medicines. The doctor will also give you instructions about taking any new medicines.
- If you stopped taking aspirin or some other blood thinner, your doctor will tell you when to start taking it again.
- Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
- If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
- If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
Other instructions
- Use a sanitary pad if you have bleeding.
- Do not have vaginal sex or place anything in your vagina for 2 to 4 weeks or until your doctor tells you it is okay. Do not douche.
- Be sure to have regular Pap or human papillomavirus (HPV) tests. Your doctor can tell you how often you need these tests.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
When should you call for help?
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
- You have chest pain, are short of breath, or cough up blood.
Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have pain that does not get better after you take pain medicine.
- You cannot pass stools or gas.
- You have vaginal discharge that has increased in amount or smells bad.
- You are sick to your stomach or cannot drink fluids.
- You have signs of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- A fever.
- You have bright red vaginal bleeding that soaks one or more pads in an hour, or you have large clots.
- You have signs of a blood clot in your leg (called a deep vein thrombosis), such as:
- Pain in your calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.
- Redness or swelling in your leg or groin.
Watch closely for any changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if you have any problems.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
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Current as of: November 27, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
