Cervical cryotherapy

Cryotherapy destroys abnormal tissue on the cervix by freezing it. Cryotherapy destroys some normal tissue along with the abnormal tissue. During cryotherapy, liquid nitrogen, which is very cold, circulates through a probe placed next to the abnormal tissue. This freezes the tissue for 2 to 3 minutes. It may be allowed to thaw and then be refrozen for another 2 to 3 minutes. A single freeze treatment for 5 minutes may also be used. One cervical cryotherapy is usually sufficient to destroy the abnormal tissue.

Your doctor will place a small freeze-probe (cryoprobe) against the cervix that cools the cervix to sub-zero temperatures. The cells destroyed by freezing are shed afterward in a heavy watery discharge.  The freezing usually lasts about five minutes with a slight amount of discomfort.