Cervical Cautery

A simple outpatient treatment to cauterise the cervix and stop troublesome bleeding or discharge.

Cervical cautery (also known as cervical diathermy or cervical coagulation) is a quick procedure used to treat areas of delicate or inflamed tissue on the cervix. It involves applying a controlled heat source or chemical to the cervical surface to seal the tissue. This promotes the regrowth of healthy tissue and can effectively relieve symptoms such as bleeding after intercourse or excessive vaginal discharge. The treatment is typically done in the clinic with local anaesthetic and does not affect fertility.

Why might you need it?
Cervical cautery may be recommended if you have:

• Persistent bleeding after sex (postcoital bleeding) caused by a cervical ectropion (sometimes called cervical erosion)
• Excessive vaginal discharge linked to an ectropion on the cervix
• Chronic cervical inflammation (cervicitis) that hasn’t improved with other treatments

By treating the fragile cervical cells, cautery helps toughen the cervical tissue so it is less prone to bleeding and irritation. It’s usually considered when these symptoms are troublesome and other causes (such as infection or abnormal cells) have been ruled out.

What does the procedure involve?

• The treatment is performed as an outpatient procedure, often during a colposcopy appointment. A speculum is inserted into the vagina to clearly visualize the cervix.
• A local anaesthetic is applied to the cervix to minimise any discomfort (you will remain awake, but the area becomes numb quickly).
• A small probe or swab is used to cauterise the cervix. This may involve a heated ball-tipped instrument (diathermy) or occasionally a chemical agent like silver nitrate to remove or seal the top layer of cells.
• The actual cautery process only takes a few minutes. You might notice a slight burning smell or sound from the equipment, but you should not feel pain during the treatment. Once completed, the speculum is removed and you can rest briefly before going home.

What to expect during recovery
After cervical cautery, it is normal to experience mild cramping or a low abdominal ache for a few hours, which can be managed with simple pain relief. You will likely have a light watery discharge, sometimes pink or brownish, as the cauterised area heals. This discharge can last up to 2-4 weeks. During the first 4 weeks, to help the cervix heal and prevent infection, you should avoid sexual intercourse, tampon use, and swimming. It’s also wise to refrain from vigorous exercise for at least a week. Most women feel fine to continue with normal daily activities, but if you experience any heavy bleeding or foul-smelling discharge (which could indicate infection), contact your doctor. The cervix generally heals fully within a month, and you should notice an improvement in symptoms once healed.

What are the benefits?

• Quickly stops postcoital bleeding and reduces excessive discharge by treating the underlying cervical ectropion
• Simple and swift outpatient procedure – takes only minutes and usually requires no general anaesthetic
• Minimally invasive treatment that preserves the cervix and does not impact fertility or future pregnancies
• High success rate in relieving bothersome symptoms, improving comfort and quality of life

If you’re dealing with persistent bleeding or discharge and think cervical cautery might help, we are here to provide guidance. We’ll ensure you understand the procedure and feel at ease. Don’t hesitate to get in touch to discuss whether this treatment is suitable for you.