What is a Cervical Ectropion (Ectopy)?
Bleeding after sex and excessive vaginal discharge are usually caused by a process which affects the cervix. This is called an ectropion or ectopy. This is a normal occurrence in which the delicate cells that line the cervical canal spread onto the surface of the cervix and become exposed. The cervix appears red because the cells that line the cervical canal are thinner compared to the thicker cells that are on the outside of the cervix.
These delicate cells are more likely to bleed whilst having sex or whilst taking a smear test. The cells also produce mucus to lubricate the vagina. If these cells are exposed you may notice an increase in discharge. Cervical ectropion is related to the hormone oestrogen. It is common in young women and those taking the oral combined contraceptive pill.
What is Cryocautery?
Cryocautery involves temporarily freezing the cervix with a metal probe for 1 – 2 minutes. It is sometimes used to treat mildly abnormal cells on the cervix but more often used to treat bleeding after sexual intercourse or excessive vaginal discharge.
Your treatment today involved “freezing” an area of your cervix. What to expect:
A watery discharge usually follows treatment. On average it lasts about 10 days, but it does vary. If you develop a smelly vaginal discharge or pain in your lower abdomen this can indicate an infection, please contact your doctor.
Period-like pain may occur for a short time following treatment but it is usually eased by simple painkillers for example, Paracetamol or Ibuprofen.
In order to prevent infection and allow healing to occur it is advisable to use pads rather than tampons until the discharge stops. We also advise you shower rather than bath, to avoid sexual intercourse and swimming for four weeks.
Useful contacts
Gynaecology Team
Cumberland
Tel: 01228 814213
Colposcopy secretaries
Cumberland Infirmary
Tel: 01228 81422
West Cumberland Hospital
Tel: 01946 523219
Travel costs
You may be entitled to help with travel costs. For more information please contact the NHS Patient Services Helpline on 0845 8501166 between 8am and 6pm.
Confidentiality
‘The Trust’s vision is to keep your information safe in our hands.’ We promise to use your information fairly and legally, and in-line with local and national policies. You have a right to understand how your information is used and you can request a copy of the information we hold about you at any time.
For further information on confidentiality contact the Information Governance Team:
Information.Governance@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 603961
Feedback
We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:
pals@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 814008 or 01946 523818
If you would like to raise a complaint regarding your care, please contact the Complaints Department:
complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302