How to Take Care of Yourself After Cervical Biopsy

It is common to feel weary for a few days following your treatment. You may feel pain or cramping in your lower abdomen for several days. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen are usually sufficient to alleviate the pain.

After an excisional cervical biopsy, you should be able to return to work or your normal routine within a week. However, how long it takes you to recuperate will be determined by the extent of the procedure.

This cervical biopsy aftercare sheet estimates how long it will take you to recover. However, each person recovers at a different rate. Follow the methods outlined below to improve as rapidly as possible.

How Do You Care for Yourself at Home?

Activity

• Rest when you're exhausted. Getting enough sleep will aid your recovery;
• Try to walk every day. Walking increases blood flow and helps avoid pneumonia and constipation;
• If your doctor permits you, you can shower at any time after the surgery. Ask your doctor when it is OK to take a bath;
• You may experience minor vaginal bleeding or discharge for about a week. You may also have some spotting for approximately 3 weeks. Wear sanitary pads as needed. Do not douche or use tampons;
• You should be able to return to your normal schedule within a week. How long it takes you to recuperate will be determined by how much was done during the treatment. You might need to take some time off work. It depends on the type of work you do and your mood;
• Do not have vaginal sex or insert anything into your vagina for 2 to 4 weeks after the procedure or until your doctor says it's alright.

Diet

• You can consume your regular diet. If your stomach is unsettled, eat bland, low-fat items such as plain rice, broiled chicken, bread, or yogurt;
• Drink plenty of fluids (unless your doctor says otherwise);
• You may notice irregular bowel motions shortly after your operation. This is normal. Try to avoid constipation and straining during bowel movements. You might wish to take a fiber supplement every day. If you have not had a bowel movement in a few days, consult your doctor about using a moderate laxative.

Medications

• Your doctor will determine if and when you can resume your medications. You will also be given instructions for taking any new medications;
• If you stopped taking aspirin or another blood thinner, your doctor will inform you when you should resume taking it;
• Take pain medications exactly as prescribed. If your doctor ordered pain medication, follow the directions exactly;
• If you are not using a prescription pain reliever, consult your doctor to see whether you can take an over-the-counter medication.
• To avoid an upset stomach  from pain medication, take it after meals unless advised otherwise by your doctor;
• Ask your doctor for an alternative pain reliever;
• If your doctor ordered antibiotics, take them exactly as indicated. Do not stop taking them simply because you are feeling better. You must complete the course of antibiotics.

If you suffer cramps following surgery, try using a hot water bottle or heating pad on your lower abdomen. Follow-up care is an important aspect of your therapy and safety. Make and attend all visits, and contact your doctor if you are experiencing concerns. It's also a good idea to know your test findings and maintain track of the medications you use.

When Should You Call for Help?

Call emergency care if you pass out or lose consciousness, experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or cough up blood.

Contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention if:

• You have intense bright red vaginal bleeding that soaks one or more pads in an hour;
• You have more vaginal discharge than usual, or it smells bad;
• You're sick to your stomach or can't swallow fluids.
• You experience discomfort that does not go away after taking pain medication.

Signs of infection include:

• Increased discomfort;
• Swelling; 
• Warmth;
• Redness;
• A fever;
• Signs of a deep vein thrombosis in your leg, like pain in the calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin;
• Redness or swelling in your groin or leg;
• You can't pass stools or gas.

Keep a watchful eye on your health and don't hesitate to call your doctor or nurse advice line if you feel you need to.