What is a laser of the cervix procedure?

A laser of the cervix (often called laser ablation or laser therapy of the cervix) is a procedure where a focused laser beam is used to destroy abnormal or precancerous cells on the cervix.

• It’s done to treat changes found on a Pap smear or colposcopy (like CIN — cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, also called dysplasia), which are precancerous changes that could turn into cervical cancer over time. Why is it needed? It’s usually recommended if you have:
• Abnormal cervical cell changes (dysplasia) — especially moderate to severe (CIN 2 or CIN 3).
• Persistent HPV infection causing these changes.
• Abnormal bleeding or lesions on the cervix. The goal is to remove or destroy abnormal cells so healthy cells can grow back, lowering the risk of these cells turning into cervical cancer.

How is it done?

• It’s usually done in a clinic with local anesthesia (numbing medicine).
• A laser beam precisely targets and destroys abnormal tissue.
• The procedure usually takes 10-15 minutes, and you can go home the same day.

Benefits ✅ Effectively removes abnormal cells, reducing cervical cancer risk. ✅ Less invasive than some other procedures (like cold knife cone biopsy). ✅ Usually preserves the cervix’s function (important if you still want children).

Risks or side effects Most are mild and temporary, such as:

• Watery vaginal discharge for 1-3 weeks (as tissue heals).
• Mild cramping or spotting.
• Small risk of infection or bleeding. Very rarely, it can cause cervical scarring, which might affect future pregnancies (though laser is less likely to cause this than other treatments).

Summary A laser of the cervix removes abnormal or precancerous cells to prevent cervical cancer. It’s a quick outpatient procedure with good success rates and minimal impact on the cervix.