Cryotherapy effects on fertility?

Last year my pap came back abnormal. My OBGYN is offering cryotherapy to treat the cervical dysplasia (mild). I haven't been able to find any info about whether or not it can affect fertility. We really want a 2nd child, so I've been withholding on making a decision about cryotherapy. My dysplasia is NOT hpv related, if it would have been, my doctor would have told me. They don't know the cause of my dysplasia, but after a year it has not resolved by itself. Can having cryotherapy affect my fertility later on and if so...what are the chances that it could?

No, there have been plenty of women who've had cryotherapy and gone on to have children. If it has any effect at all, it will be on the cervix' ability to efface and dialate during delivery, or it may dialate too easily beforehand. If it looks as if it will dialate early, the ob can easily perform a procedure called cerclage where a stitch is put in to hold it closed. If it doesn't thin and dialate properly during labor, you would require a c-section, of course. But it will not affect your abilty to get pregnant in the first place. The doctor treating you will be the best person to ask as far as timing for a second pregnancy, to give you time to heal properly after the cryotherapy. The procedure will scar the cervix permanently, and any OB you see will notice it. They will need to know all your prior medical history, and will probably keep a close eye on you during the pregnancy to watch for early dialation. It's not an uncommon procedure for treating this type problem, and the sooner you have it done, the less invasive it will need to be- less scaring on the cervix in the end. Also, it will help possibly prevent the need for a more major surgery which could preclude a second pregnancy. I'd say have a good talk with the OB-GYN and tell him/her your concerns. They can help give you more information and assurances than anyone here. But for your own peace of mind in the meantime- no it doesn't keep you from getting pregnant. My own sister had the procedure at 25 and went on to have two healthy girls. Good luck!

I think it is a safe procedure in fertility terms, but there are other options for treating dysplasia, check http://www.colposcopy.com/ab-res.html...... Maybe you can discuss these other option with your doctor and see what is best for you.