You have just had treatment to your cervix to remove an area for histological examination. This was achieved using a technique called large loop excision and diathermy.

Please observe the following:

  1. No intercourse (sex) for four weeks
  2. Do not use tampons for two full periods
  3. Do not add anything to your bath water, this includes anything like bubblebath, savlon, dettol etc, for four weeks
  4. No swimming for four weeks

This treatment leaves a raw area on your cervix. It usually heals quickly and without undue problems, however you may notice the following:

  1. A watery or bloodstained vaginal discharge for a few days or even up to four weeks
  2. Your next period may be heavier than usual.
  3. Crampy period-like pains for a day or two after treatment. Paracetamol or whatever you usually take for period pains should control this.
  4. The treatment should not cause any problems with passing urine. So if you have any difficulties please see your doctor.
  5. If you bleed for a few days afterwards (like a period) do not be alarmed. However, if it does not settle within 48 hours or if the bleeding becomes heavy, contact the clinic during clinic hours or your own doctor.

  6. If you notice an offensive (smelly) discharge then contact you own doctor. You could have an infection.

  7. A slightly increased risk of late miscarriage or premature birth in future pregnancies.

  8. Scarring of the cervix leading to difficulty obtaining adequate smears in the future.

For those women who have had treatment because of an abnormal smear​​​​​​​ the following points are of importance:

  1. Please re-attend the clinic as instructed. If you are menstruating or if the appointment is inconvenient then telephone the clinic on any weekday morning to re-arrange your appointment.

  2. If you become pregnant before you re-attend the clinic for follow-up then telephone the clinic to check if your appointment should be kept or re-scheduled.

  3. It is of great importance that when you have been discharged from further clinic follow-up, that you remember to have a smear done at your surgery. You will be advised as to how frequent your smear needs to be taken.

  4. Women who smoke are more likely to abnormal smears.

  5. If you have bleeding after intercourse, even if it occurs when your smear has recently been reported as normal, you should go and see your doctor.

If you have smears regularly you have very little to worry about. However, if you neglect yourself and forget, the problem may return without you or us knowing about it.

If you have any worries or queries about your visits to the clinic, do not hesitate to telephone us during clinic hours.

Telephone: 01270 612172 (Direct Line)

Monday to Friday, 9.00am - 4.00pm

Remember – smears are cancer prevention tests.

This information is also available in PDF format (in English) by clicking the button below.

After Treatment and Advice Loop Excision and Diathermy