Cryocautery
This patient information leaflet aims to give you some information about cryocautery treatment and also help to answer any questions that you may have. There will be an opportunity to discuss the treatment with the doctor / nurse at your appointment. We hope by increasing your understanding of the treatment, we will help you to feel less anxious when you come to clinic. You are welcome to bring with you a relative or friend.
What is cryocautery?
Cryocautery is a form of treatment which involves temporarily freezing the cervix (the opening to the womb) with a metal probe. The treatment itself takes two minutes. However, the whole procedure can take up to 10 minutes. It is an effective, quick and simple procedure and will not affect future fertility.
You may wish to take mild pain relief prior to treatment to help with any potential discomfort.
When is cryocautery recommended?
The most common reason for this treatment is due to an ectropion (also known as an ectopy) found on the cervix.
An ectropion is a normal finding on the cervix and comes about when the red coloured cells from inside the cervical canal, are present on the outside surface of the cervix. The cells are very delicate, containing many blood vessels and glands which produce mucous. An ectropion occurs due to the natural response to the hormone oestrogen.
A cervical ectropion is not normally treated. However, some people experience troublesome symptoms from an ectropion, such as: an increased watery vaginal discharge and or bleeding after intercourse and or irregular bleeding between periods.
Cryocautery can also be used to treat persistent low-grade cell abnormality on the cervix.
Why do I need cryocautery?
By freezing the cervix this destroys the superficial / delicate layer of skin, promoting the growth of tougher, thicker skin, which is less likely to bleed during intercourse or produce excessive vaginal discharge.
Are there any risks or complications involved?
The complication rate to this procedure is very low.
There is a small risk of infection which can be easily treated with antibiotics from your GP.
Signs of infection could be:
- Smelly vaginal discharge,
- Generally feeling unwell (raised temperature / fever)
- Severe abdominal pain
- Heavy vaginal bleeding
If these signs occur, it is advised that you see your GP.
What happens during the procedure?
An instrument called a speculum will be inserted into the vagina so that the cervix can be clearly seen.
A cold metal probe will be then placed onto the cervix for two minutes. During this time you may feel some slight abdominal discomfort / period type pain. This may last for the rest of the day.
Simple pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen will usually help with this discomfort. It is recommended that you take them prior to your appointment.
You are very welcome to bring your partner or friend to your appointment if you wish.
What should I expect afterwards?
As there is no anaesthetic required for this procedure you can go home straight away or as soon as you feel able. You can drive a car or take public transport.
It is normal to have a watery / blood stained discharge lasting up to four weeks. This watery discharge will start immediately and will be heavy for the first few days.
In order to minimise the risk of infection and allow the cervix to heal as quickly as possible, during the first four weeks you must:
- Use sanitary towels not tampons, including for your next period if it is due within the next four weeks
- Avoid intercourse
- Avoid swimming
- Avoid vaginal creams
- You can bath and shower as normal, however do not attempt to wash inside the vagina
Cervical ectropion can sometimes reoccur. If you do experience the symptoms again, you may require repeat cryocautery treatment.
Follow up
This will depend on the reason as to why you have had the treatment. Follow up will be discussed with you in your clinic appointment and the necessary arrangements made.
Contact details
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your treatment please contact the telephone numbers below and a member of our clinic staff will be more than happy to help you.
Gynaecology Outpatients, Women’s Unit, Royal Lancaster Infirmary: telephone 01524 583860 or 01524 583861
Colposcopy Clinic team at Royal Lancaster Infirmary and Westmorland General: telephone 01524 512338
Colposcopy Clinic team at Furness General Hospital: telephone 01229 403616
The Gynaecology Clinic is open from 8.30am – 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
Out of hours, please contact:
Ward 16 Gynaecology at Royal Lancaster Infirmary: telephone 01524 583820
Ward 1 Gynaecology at Furness General Hospital: telephone 01229 870870 (internal extension: 54107)
Useful Websites
British Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology - www.bsccp.org
Healthtalkonline - www.healthtalkonline.org
The NHS website - www.nhs.uk
Cancer Research UK – www.cruk.org
Cancer Screening NHS - www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk
Date of publication: 01/10/2016
Reference code: PIL056v2
Review date: 01/07/2026