Key points
- Light bleeding or a blood-stained discharge for one to two weeks is normal.
- A watery or brown discharge can continue for up to four weeks.
- For 2 to 4 weeks, avoid sex, tampons, menstrual cups, swimming and baths.
- A heavier bleed can occur around 10 to 14 days after treatment as the area heals.
- Results usually take 1–2 weeks. Test of Cure begins 12 months after treatment.
What is normal, and what is not
Expected
- Period-like cramping for a day or two
- Light bleeding or spotting for one to two weeks
- A watery, pink or brown discharge for up to four weeks
- A brown or black discharge for a few days if a solution was used to stop bleeding
- A next period that is heavier, or a little early or late
Please contact me
- Heavy bleeding: soaking a pad in an hour, or large clots
- A temperature above 38°C, or feeling unwell
- Discharge with an unpleasant smell
- Pain not eased by simple pain relief
- Bleeding heavier than a normal period at any stage
Caring for yourself
- Pain relief
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen, taken as directed on the packet, is usually enough.
- Pads, not tampons
- Use pads or panty liners for 2 to 4 weeks. Avoid tampons and menstrual cups.
- Sex
- Wait 2 to 4 weeks, and until any bleeding has settled.
- Bathing
- Showers are fine. Avoid baths, swimming pools and spas for 2 to 4 weeks. Do not douche.
- Activity
- Gentle walking is fine. Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for 2 weeks.
- Driving
- Do not drive for 24 hours after a general anaesthetic.
- Work and study
- Most people return within a day or two.
- Day 0LLETZHome the same day
- Weeks 1 to 2Bleeding settlesAvoid sex, tampons, baths and swimming for 2 to 4 weeks
- Days 10 to 14Possible heavier bleedAs the area heals. Contact me if heavy.
- 1–2 weeksResultsDiscussed with you and sent to your GP
- 12 monthsTest of CureFirst yearly HPV test
Common questions
How will I know the treatment worked?
The laboratory checks that the edges of the tissue are clear. Your Test of Cure results then confirm that HPV has cleared.
My period is due. Is that a problem?
No. It may be heavier than usual. Use pads rather than tampons if it falls within the first 2 to 4 weeks.
Will I have a follow-up appointment?
I will contact you with your results and explain any next steps. A copy goes to your GP.
Does my partner need to do anything?
No. HPV is very common, and partners do not need testing or treatment.
Will LLETZ affect a future pregnancy?
A single LLETZ slightly increases the chance of preterm birth, mainly with deeper or repeated treatment. Please let me know if you become pregnant, and tell any other maternity carer.
When can I exercise again?
Gentle walking straight away. Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for 2 weeks.
Questions to ask your doctor
- Were the margins clear?
- When is my first Test of Cure due, and who will do it?
- Is there anything specific I should watch for?
When to seek help
Contact me if you have heavy bleeding (soaking a pad in an hour, or large clots), a temperature above 38°C, discharge with an unpleasant smell, or pain not eased by simple pain relief. If bleeding is very heavy or you feel faint, call 000.
Who to call
- Rooms
- 03 8400 6193 — appointments and non-urgent questions, business hours
- Urgent, after hours
- Dr James Aridas, 0459 706 061 — urgent gynaecology concerns, and pregnancy concerns before 20 weeks
- From 20 weeks pregnant
- The birth suite at your booked hospital: Epworth Freemasons 03 9483 3833 · Cabrini Malvern 03 9508 6000 · Jessie McPherson 03 9594 2776
- Emergency
- Call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department