Catch it early save your life.

Conization

What is conization?

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Conization is similar to a LEEP procedure.  It is a small surgical procedure that removes an abnormal area from the cervix.  Conization is done in the operating room.  Anesthesia is used to put the patient to sleep so she feels no discomfort.  The benefits of this treatment are that you can still have children after having this procedure.  The risks are bleeding, infection and the risks of receiving anesthesia.  Side effects include vomiting, cramping and vaginal discharge that last for a few days.

Since this procedure does not cure the HPV virus,  abnormal cells can develop again in the future.  Multiple conizations can cause the cervix to become weak.  This happens because the cancer cells are removed from the mouth of the cervix.  It is the mouth of the cervix that holds the baby inside the uterus.  If the cervix becomes weakened, your chances for having a miscarriage increase.  Therefore, this additional side effect is less problematic for women who have already had their children.

That’s why early detection is so important:  it gives women the option of watchful waiting.

Cryosurgery uses very cold temperatures to kill abnormal cells.  This procedure is done in your doctor’s office.  Your doctor will insert a speculum into your vagina to look at your cervix.  A probe will then be used to send a very cold gas to the surface of the cervix to freeze the abnormal cells.  The benefits are that you can still have children after this procedure.  This procedure is not painful but you may have temporary side effects including cramping and vaginal discharge.