Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is a type of treatment that has been used for many decades in various areas of medicine. In gynecology, it most commonly is used to freeze the cervix in order to treat an abnormal Pap smear.

This procedure is performed in the office and does not require anesthesia. The patient usually experiences cramping during the procedure so we recommend that she take ibuprofen or naproxen 30 minutes prior to the procedure.

In this procedure, a small probe is placed through the vagina onto the cervix. Freezing agents such as nitrogen are used to freeze the outer portion of the cervix. In many cases, the freezing procedure is done twice in a row while the patient is in the office. This takes about 10 minutes. Cramping usually lasts only a few hours.

A small amount of bleeding may occur, but the patient should expect a heavy, watery discharge for up to 6 weeks.