Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy at John Labban, M.D., PC

At John Labban, M.D., PC, we offer cryotherapy as a safe and effective treatment option for a variety of gynecological conditions. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing you with personalized care and ensuring your comfort throughout the procedure. We will discuss the benefits and risks of cryotherapy with you and answer any questions you may have.

What is Cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy is a procedure that uses extreme cold to freeze and destroy abnormal tissues. In gynecology, cryotherapy is often used to treat precancerous changes on the cervix, genital warts, and other benign conditions.

Why Would I Need Cryotherapy?

Your doctor may recommend cryotherapy if you have:

Cervical dysplasia: This refers to precancerous changes in the cells on the surface of your cervix.

What Happens During the Procedure?

Cryotherapy is typically a quick procedure performed in your doctor's office. Here's what you can expect:

Positioning: You'll lie on an exam table, similar to a pelvic exam, with your feet in stirrups  like for a pap smear.

Visualization: A speculum is inserted into your vagina to allow your doctor to see your cervix.

Freezing: A special instrument called a cryoprobe is applied to the abnormal tissue. The cryoprobe delivers extremely cold gas (nitrous oxide or carbon dioxide) to freeze and destroy the affected cells for 3 mins.

Thawing: The cryoprobe is removed, and the tissue is allowed to thaw. This freeze-thaw cycle will be repeated in 5 minutes for another 3  minutes to ensure complete treatment.

Will It Hurt?

You may feel some cramping or discomfort during the procedure, but it's generally well-tolerated. You can take Tylenol or Ibuprofen one hour before the procedure. 

What Happens After Cryotherapy?

After the procedure, you may experience:

Watery discharge: You may have a watery discharge for several weeks as the treated tissue heals.

Mild cramping: Some cramping is normal and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.

Spotting: You may experience light bleeding or spotting.

It's important to avoid tampons, hot tub, swimming, and sexual intercourse for 4 weeks to allow the area to heal properly. Your doctor will provide you with specific instructions on post-procedure care.