Procedure Description:
Freezing treatment of the cervix
What To Expect:
This is a cervical freezing procedure designed to eliminate the abnormal cells to a depth of 1/4 inch. A metal tip attached to a nitrous oxide gas is applied to the cervix for a 3 minute freeze, followed by a 10 minute rest, then a second 3 minute freeze. The frozen cells will die and slough off over the next 3-4 weeks. You will feel some cramping during the procedure, but nothing will feel cold.
Preprocedure:
Nothing in the vagina for 24 hours prior to the procedure, including sexual activity, douching, tampons, or vaginal medications. Take 600 milligrams of ibuprofen or 2 Aleve tablets 30 minutes before the procedure.
Postprocedure:
The cramping usually subsides quickly. You may use Aleve or ibuprofen for more persistent cramping. You will experience a vaginal discharge that may be bloody, green/yellow for up to 3-4 weeks, as the frozen cells are sloughed off. Nothing in the vagina at all during this time of discharge, including sex, tampons, douching. No "community water" such as pools, hot tubs, lakes/rivers/oceans until the discharge is done. You may sit in your own bathtub at home. You will be given a prescription for a soothing vaginal cream that you will use nightly for 7 nights after the procedure.