After treatment, it is important to prevent infection and allow your cervix (the neck of your womb) to heal.

What to expect following your procedure

You can expect the following after your procedure.

  • You can bath and shower as normal, from the day of your treatment.
  • You may have some period pain during the first 24 hours. You can treat this with your usual form of mild painkillers.

Vaginal bleeding

  • After your treatment you can expect some vaginal bleeding. It may start on the day of your treatment and last about 7 days. It often continues, on and off, for 2 to 4 weeks.
  • The bleeding should not be heavier than your normal period. If you need to change your pad more than every 2 hours, contact the colposcopy department (see Contacts below).
  • If your bleeding is slight, you may notice it is watery. This is normal. Black specks in the blood are also normal and are caused by the treatment you have just had.
  • Your next period may be heavier or last slightly longer. Your periods should return to normal in 2 to 3 months.

For the first 4 weeks

For the first 4 weeks, do not:

  • have sexual intercourse
  • use tampons (use sanitary pads instead)
  • have any form of vaginal douching (washing out your vagina).

Follow-up appointment

It is important that you attend your follow-up appointment. Some patients may need further treatment.

We will send you a letter explaining the results of your biopsy and suggested next steps.

  • We will ask some patients to see their GP in 6 months, for a follow-up smear test.
  • We will give some patients an appointment to re-attend the colposcopy clinic in 6 months. This will be for a repeat smear and colposcopy. A colposcopy is an examination to look more closely at your cervix or vulva.

Further medical advice

If you have  questions before or after your treatment, contact the Kingston Hospital colposcopy CNS team (clinical nurse specialists).

Colposcopy CNS: 020 8934 2849

Email: or khn-tr.colposcopy@nhs.net

Contact information

Colposcopy Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS). Email: krft.colposcopy@nhs.net

 

Day Surgery Unit Advice Line, Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm

Out of hours and weekends, calls diverted to Kingston Hospital Alex Ward

 

NHS emergency and urgent care service, call 111

You can also contact your GP or come to the Kingston Hospital Emergency Department (A&E)

Telephone:

Colposcopy CNS: 020 8934 6407

 

 

Day Surgery Unit: 020 8541 5370

 

 

Alex Ward: 020 8934 2301