Cold Coagulation
Cold Coagulation clinics are carried out at:
- Royal Alexandra Hospital: 0141 314 6719
- Inverclyde Royal Hospital: 01457 525 411
- Vale of Leven Hospital: 01389 817 275
- Stobhill Hospital: 0141 355 1209
To find out further information or support please look at NHSGGC website
What is Cold Coagulation?
The aim of the treatment is to destroy all the abnormal cells in your cervix without affecting too much normal skin.
Cold coagulation is a quick heat-based treatment. A local anaesthetic is given to freeze the area. There may be slight discomfort but it should not be painful. The whole procedure takes only 5-10 minutes.
Sometimes this treatment can be used to treat bleeding between periods and bleeding after sex. If you have had cold coagulation as a treatment for bleeding you should continue to have your cervical smears as normal.
What Should I Expect After My Treatment?
Bleeding
You may experience some bleeding. If excessive, for example soaking through sanitary towels, contact NHS 24 or your local A&E. Do not use tampons for the bleeding as it can make the bleeding last longer.
Pain
You may experience abdominal cramps for a couple of days. Take simple pain-killers like ibuprofen or paracetamol if required.
Discharge
You may experience a watery, blood-stained discharge for 4-6 weeks until the treated area of the cervix has healed. A foul-smelling discharge is not normal. Please contact the Colposcopy Clinic or your GP for advice.
Hygiene / Hot Bath
Avoid taking a hot bath tonight. A shower or lukewarm bath should be fine.
Intercourse
Avoid sexual intercourse until the bleeding and discharge have settled, due to the risk of infection and potential discomfort. After that your sex life should be completely unaffected.
You may feel tired, upset or weepy for a couple of days after your treatment. This is quite normal and can be a natural reaction to the worry of having this minor operation.
Follow Up
Treatment of your cervix is very effective. We know that over 95% of women have no further problem after treatment for pre-cancerous cells of the cervix.
It is important for you to attend your follow-up visit in 6 months time, and to have your smears done more frequently as advised by your doctor.
Do not hesitate to phone if you experience any unexpected or severe side-effects.
Contacts and Information
For further information or support please look at NHSGGC website or if you need to contact the clinic for any reason e.g. you are running a little late, the contact number are as follows:
- Royal Alexandra Hospital: 0141 314 6719
- Inverclyde Royal Hospital: 01457 525 411
- Vale of Leven Hospital: 01389 817 275
- Stobhill Hospital: 0141 355 1209
Jo’s Trust Helpline: 0808 802 800
The British Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology