What is cold coagulation?

Cold coagulation is a procedure used to treat individuals with abnormal cells on their cervix (neck of the womb) by destroying the abnormal cells with a heated probe. It is only suitable for some women and the doctor or nurse caring for you will have decided if it is the right treatment for you and your particular condition. 

The procedure cauterises (burns) the soft cells so that they become hardened and less likely to bleed when touched.

Why should I have cold coagulation?

We are performing the procedure to destroy the abnormal cells on your cervix, which have been identified during your colposcopy examination (a detailed examination of your cervix) and following cervix biopsy result

Your visit today involved treating an area of your cervix with cold coagulation.
What to expect

You may have a watery discharge and/or light bleeding following treatment. 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 infections and allow healing to occur it is advised to use pads rather than tampons until the discharge stops. We also advise you shower rather than bath and to avoid sexual intercourse and swimming for four weeks. 

What are the risks?
Bleeding

If you experience prolonged bleeding, heavier than a period or passing blood clots, please contact your GP or attend your nearest Accident & Emergency (A & E) department.

Infection

If you have a vaginal discharge which has an offensive (bad) smell, a fever or severe ongoing lower abdominal (tummy) pain it may indicate that you have an infection. Please go to your GP, who may prescribe you antibiotics.

Stenosis of the cervical os (narrowing of the small opening of the cervix)

Following cold coagulation to your cervix there is a small risk (less than two out of every 100 women) that the cervical os may close over. You can help prevent this by allowing your period to come as normal following the procedure. If you take a 21 day contraceptive pill this means that you should not run two packs together; instead you should make sure you leave a week (the seven day break) between finishing one pack and starting another.

Will the treatment affect my ability to have a baby?

The treatment should not affect your ability to become pregnant. Cold coagulation has not been associated with any increased risk of having a premature birth.

If you have any questions or problems following treatment please phone the clinic on 01228 814264 to speak to one of our members of staff.

Colposcopy secretaries

Cumberland Infirmary
Call 01228 814220

Nurse specialists 07500857533 or 01946 523818

Consent

Name of procedure Cold Coagulation

Intended benefits of procedure - to treat cervical cell changes

Risks of treatment
  • Bleeding
  • Pain
  • Changes to vaginal discharge
  • Premature birth or late miscarriage
  • Cervical stenosis
  • Risks of doing nothing
  • Alternative treatments 

I have read the information provided and agree to Cold Coagulation procedure. 

Patient name:
Date:
Signature:
Healthcare professional name:
Date:
Signature:
Travel costs

You may be entitled to help with travel costs. For more information please contact the NHS Patient Services Helpline on 0845 8501166 (08:00-18:00)

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