In rare cases, cervical
ectropion causes symptoms such as abundant leucorrhoea, postcoital
bleeding, recurrent
cervicitis,
pelvic pain, and
dyspareunia.
Cryotherapy is a commonly used treatment for symptomatic cervical
ectropion. We assessed the impact of
cryotherapy on sexual function and quality of life among patients with symptomatic cervical
ectropion. In this prospective observational study, 73 patients were assessed before and six months after
cryotherapy treatment using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Short Form-12 Health Survey questionnaires. The double-freeze
cryotherapy procedure was performed using a
cryotherapy unit, and liquid
nitrogen was used as a refrigerant. The mean physical and mental quality of life scores were significantly improved
after treatment. With the exception of the
pain domain, the overall and domain FSFI scores exhibited no significant differences before and after
cryotherapy. The sexual
pain domain scores were significantly increased
after treatment. There was a statistically significant improvement in
vaginal discharge,
pelvic pain, and postcoital
bleeding symptoms after the
cryotherapy. We concluded that
cryotherapy is an effective and feasible treatment for symptomatic cervical
ectropion. Although
cryotherapy results in improved quality of life scores, it has no significant impact on female sexual function.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject?
Cryotherapy is the most preferred treatment option for symptomatic cervical
ectropion. Its feasibility and effectiveness with respect to symptom relief have been observed in previous studies. No study has evaluated quality of life and sexual function after
cryotherapy among patients with symptomatic cervical
ectropion.What do the results of this study add? Although the patients' quality of life scores were significantly improved
after treatment, no significant improvement was observed in overall and domain sexual function scores, with the exception of the
pain domain. The sexual
pain domain scores were significantly improved after
cryotherapy.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Patients should not expect better sexual function after
cryotherapy. Comparative studies should seek to identify the ideal treatment option, which would result in both symptom relief and better sexual function.