Gynaecology - Care after laser treatment

Laser treatment can be used to treat the vulva and pre cancer changes on the cervix and the vagina.

The laser is a powerful light that treats the skin and helps remove the abnormal area. This light leaves an area on your vulva or cervix that is like a burn and needs to heal.

Laser surgery aims to remove the abnormal cells on the vulva, vagina or cervix. It is important that you come back for all your appointments to monitor the health of the treated area to ensure that the abnormality has not recurred.

What to expect after your operation

Whilst you are healing, it is common to have some pain and swelling at the place where the treatment was performed. The pain usually does not last longer than 2 weeks. Cool packs covered and applied gently may give some relief from these symptoms. You may find it useful to take pain relief and anti- inflammatory tablets during this time, such as Ibuprofen or Paracetamol. You do not need a prescription to buy these medicines. It is important to take them as directed by your pharmacist.

You can experience some bloodstained watery discharge following your treatment and you should wear a sanitary pad during this time.

How should I take care of myself after the laser surgery?

Vulva

• Wear loose clothing and cotton underwear
• For the first 24 hours apply ice to the vulva, wrapped in a plastic bag and covered with a soft towel
• Do not put anything into the vagina until the vulval area is healed. Do not use tampons or douches or engage in sexual activity during this time. Healing takes at least three weeks but could take up to six weeks or even longer. During and after urination, use a jug of warm water to rinse the vulval area and pat dry with a flannel. Do not use toilet paper as this may stick to the treated areas
• Wash your vulva gently each day during your bath or shower, but do not use any perfumed products which may irritate the skin. Gently pat the area dry with a clean towel
• On the day after the procedure, soak the area in a warm saline bath three times that day. For a saline bath add one tablespoon of sea salt (available from a supermarket or health food store) to a gallon of water. Gently separate the labia to allow the saline solution to reach all parts of the vulva. This will minimise discomfort and encourage healing. Gently pat the area dry
• When the area is clean and dry, carefully apply cream as prescribed by your doctor

Cervix and Vagina

• Do not insert a tampon, swim, bath or have sexual intercourse for 4-6 weeks after your treatment. Use a sanitary pad instead of a tampon
• Do not do strenuous physical or lift heavy objects for a couple of weeks after treatment as it can cause bleeding PV
• You will need a test of cure 6 months after treatment at your local surgery if you have pre cancer changes on your cervix

When to seek advice

• Temperature higher than 38ºC
• Heavy or increasing vaginal bleeding that soaks more than one pad per hour
• Strong odour or discharge
• Hard lumps in the vulval area
• Pain not relieved by paracetamol or ibuprofen, or an increase in pain
• Inability to pass urine

Useful numbers and contact

GP:
Gynaecology Assessment Unit contact: