The treatment itself usually takes about five to ten minutes and although it may be slightly uncomfortable it is not painful. Once you are lying comfortably on the couch the doctor will put some local anaesthetic onto the cervix to numb it. A laser beam is then pointed onto the abnormal areas of the cervix and the cells are destroyed. During the treatment you may notice a slight burning smell from the laser. This is quite normal.
Most women have some light bleeding and discharge after laser treatment.
If the bleeding gets heavier you should contact your GP or the out-patient department where you had your treatment. Once you are lying comfortably on the couch the doctor will gently place a small probe onto the surface of the cervix to freeze the abnormal cells. During the treatment you may feel a mild period-type pain but this will disappear once the treatment has finished. It is normal to have a watery vaginal discharge for about two to three weeks after cryotherapy. Cold coagulation Despite the name of this treatment the cells are removed by heating not freezing.