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After treatment for cell changes (abnormal cells), you may have some side effects. Although these are common, they may worry you, so it can help to prepare by learning more about possible side effects and how to manage them. We hope the information on this page answers any questions or concerns you have about side effects.
We all react and heal differently after treatment, so you may not experience these effects in the way described. If you need some extra support, you may want to get in touch with us as well as your GP.
Your feelings after treatment
Having treatment can affect your emotional wellbeing, as well as your body. After treatment, you may be worried about:
- whether the treatment has worked
- whether you will go on to develop cervical cancer.
All your concerns, including any we don’t mention here, are valid. Many people feel this way and it’s important you get the support you need.
You can talk to your healthcare team, including colposcopist or GP, as well as to support organisations like us:
- All our Helpline volunteers have personal experience, so you may want to call us on 0808 802 8000 to chat with someone who gets it. Check our Helpline opening hours >
- Join our online Forum to chat with others affected >
- Submit your medical questions to our Ask the Expert service >
Pain
Some people have cramping pain, like a period, after large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ). The pain varies from person to person, but some pain is expected for a day or 2 after treatment.
If you are in a lot of pain or find it is affecting your day-to-day life, speak with your colposcopist or GP. They can offer reassurance based on your medical history and, if needed, will be able to check you are healing properly.
Bleeding and changes to vaginal discharge
After treatment, a soft scab forms on the cervix where the cells were removed. While this heals, it may cause bleeding and changes to vaginal discharge. This can last about 4 weeks.
Bleeding
Any bleeding is usually like a slightly heavy period. About 10 days after treatment, the bleeding may get heavier. This is very normal and simply the soft scab healing.
If the bleeding is very heavy and you are soaking through a sanitary pad every few hours, it is important you go to the hospital straight away. It may not be anything to worry about, but they can check everything is okay and offer the right care.
Your first period (monthly bleeding) after treatment may be slightly heavier or out-of-sync with your regular cycle.
Changes to vaginal discharge
Straight after treatment, you may have a watery vaginal discharge, and about 10 days after treatment, many women notice a coffee granule-like vaginal discharge. This is very normal and simply the soft scab healing.
Speak with your GP if your vaginal discharge:
- smells badly
- is a yellow or green colour.
If you have an infection, your GP may give you antibiotics.
If you have bleeding and changes to vaginal discharge
Until any bleeding has stopped and vaginal discharge has gone back to normal, your colposcopist may advise you not to:
- have penetrative sex
- use tampons
- swim.
If you are unsure what you should or shouldn’t do, ask your colposcopist or GP.
If you get pregnant in the future
If you get pregnant in future, it is important to tell your midwife that you have had LLETZ. They can check if you need a cervical stitch (cerclage) to support your pregnancy.
Read more about having a cervical stitch >
Follow up after treatment for cell changes (abnormal cells)
Most people have successful treatment and no further problems . A few people may still have cell changes, so may need more treatment. Your follow up appointment is important because it shows whether treatment has been successful.
Read more about CIN and CGIN >
What happens at the follow-up appointment for CIN?
You are invited for your first follow up appointment about 6 months after treatment. It is usually at your GP surgery or the hospital where you had treatment.
At the appointment, you have a cervical screening test. It is exactly the same as a standard cervical screening appointment. This test is called a ‘test of cure’ because it shows whether treatment has been successful.
