Gynecological cryotherapy is a simple, effective and almost painless method of treating some lesions around the cervix. In what cases is freezing recommended and what is gynecological cryotherapy?

Gynecological cryotherapyis a liquid nitrogen freezing procedure. A negative temperature (even -192 degrees Celsius) heals diseased cells, the so-called erosions. Cryotherapy is also used in the treatment of vulvar, vaginal and anal condylomas caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV).

What is gynecological cryotherapy

Freezing the erosion is a practically painless procedure. In the case of changes around the anus and vulva, local anesthesia is used. Cryotherapy consists in applying a very low temperature to the affected area - using a special applicator.

It should be remembered that cryosurgery does not allow for the collection of material for histopathological examination, therefore the doctor should exclude the suspicion of a neoplastic lesion before the procedure is performed.

The frozen tissue is destroyed, and the body removes the necrosis within 1-2 weeks and leaves he althy cells behind. It is worth adding that after shallow freezing, no scars are left, while after deep freezing (cryoconization) they are flexible enough not to disturb the functioning of the reproductive system, and do not even cause problems with the opening of the cervix during delivery. In addition, cryotherapy gives much better cosmetic results if compared to a traditional surgical or even electric knife. During the procedure, there is no unpleasant burning smell, as during electrocoagulation (which also leaves scars). It takes about 15 minutes.

When freezing is recommended

When erosions cause persistent vaginal discharge, recurrent inflammation of the reproductive organ, or bleeding or spotting after intercourse, your doctor may recommend gynecological cryotherapy.

There are no contraindications for cryotherapy with an IUD in place.

But one of the necessary requirements before starting this procedure is the correct cytological and colposcopic examination result. You have to exclude the risk that the change maybe pre-cancerous. To give the body enough time to heal after freezing, cryotherapy is performed in the first phase of the cycle, right after menstruation. Importantly, it can also be performed during pregnancy - but it only applies to condylomas of the vulva and vagina. This is a very important issue for women who want to give birth naturally, because condylomas are an absolute contraindication to such delivery. However, when it comes to freezing erosions - this procedure is not performed during pregnancy.

Procedure after the procedure

There is a heavy, watery vaginal discharge for about 2 weeks after cryosurgery. Then it is worth protecting underwear with panty liners. However, tampons or any vaginal pessaries must not be used. The organism reacts to freezing with the occurrence of local inflammation, therefore a woman may experience general discomfort and a decrease in well-being for several to several days after the procedure. The perineal area may be painful, swollen and red. For about 3 weeks after cryotherapy, you should refrain from sexual activity, although this is an individual matter. Some ladies take more time, others less time to recover.

It is also important to pay special attention to intimate hygiene during the convalescence period. You should also not use the solarium, you should not go to the swimming pool and even take a bath. However, you can return to normal physical activity almost immediately after the procedure. A follow-up visit is recommended after 4 weeks.

Contraindications to gynecological cryotherapy

  • current inflammation in the reproductive organ
  • cervical dysplastic changes
  • cervical cancer
  • pregnancy
Worth knowing

Gynecological cryotherapy can be performed under the National He alth Fund (NFZ) insurance, but doctors rarely talk about it. If we want to conduct it privately, the cost ranges from PLN 200-450.

Category:

Female diseases