Both these treatments are used to remove abnormal cells that lie on the surface of the cervix. Usually the abnormal cells can be easy to remove and the treatments can be very successful. Laser therapy destroys these cells by using a laser beam, which is pointed at them by a probe. Cryotherapy destroys the cells by freezing them, again using a small probe. Only one of the two methods will be used and the success rate at completely curing this condition is very good. Cryotherapy is slightly less successful than laser treatment, and is used less often.

Both these treatments are performed in the outpatients department. They take about five to ten minutes. A local anaesthetic will be given to numb the area and you are awake during the procedure. Although it may be a little uncomfortable it should not be painful. You can usually go home soon after the procedure has been done. You may feel a little unwell for a few hours afterwards.

In a situation like this, when there are a number of equally effective treatments, the procedure used by your doctor may depend on the facilities available in your hospital. However the result will be equally good whichever is used.