Home Care after Laser Surgery
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Laser surgery uses a laser light source to remove diseased tissues. This handout tells you how to care for yourself after laser treatment. If you have any questions or concerns after you go home, please call the numbers listed at the end of the handout.
Cervix and Vagina
- It is normal to have some reddish, watery discharge during the first ten days after treatment. You may use pads, but do not use tampons.
- Do not put anything into the vagina (birth canal) for three full weeks. Do not douche.
- Do not have sex for four weeks or until ok with your doctor. Check with your doctor if you have questions.
- You may have a few cramps like menstrual cramps. This is normal and may be relieved by medicine such as Tylenol® or ibuprofen.
Vulva and Anus
- Do not wear slacks, jeans, or tight clothes. A dress or loose pants is preferred.
- Do not wear nylon or synthetic underwear or pantyhose. Use white cotton panties when you go out or wear no underwear around the house.
- Use the “peri bottle” given to you by your nurse to rinse off after you urinate or have a bowel movement. Pat yourself dry gently. Do not rub, as this will increase your discomfort.
- Use pain medicines as advised. Most people find they need it most during the first week. If you are taking opioid pain medicine, take a stool softener (Colace®) daily. Drink plenty of fluids and eat high fiber foods to help avoid constipation.
- You may have been given a numbing gel (Lidocaine jelly 2%). Put this around the anus and on the vulvar area to decrease pain during bowel movements. You may also wish to put this on your labia if urine causes burning.
- Sit in a bathtub twice a day, letting warm water wash over the genital area. Do not use soap on the genital area. If you do not have a bathtub, a sitz bath will be given to you.
- After your bath, use a hair dryer (on low heat) or a fan to dry the perineal area. When using a hair dryer, put one foot up on a chair to expose the area as you blow it dry. Do not rub with a towel.
- It often requires 4 weeks to heal.
When to Call
- If you have severe cramping or pain not relieved by pain medicine.
- If you have bright red bleeding or the amount of drainage is more than one pad in an hour.
- If your vaginal drainage becomes foul-smelling, cloudy, thick, or greenish in color, you may have an infection.
- If you have a fever greater than 100.4ºF by mouth, for 2 readings taken 4 hours apart.
- If you can not have a bowel movement within 2-3 days.
Phone Numbers
If you have any questions or problems once you are home, please call your doctor or nurse.
UW Health- Managed OB Clinics |
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UW Health West OB/GYN Clinic 451 Junction Rd Madison WI 53717 (608) 265-7601 |
UW Health East OB/GYN Clinic 5249 E Terrace Pkwy Madison WI 53718 (608) 265-1230
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UW Health Benign Gynecology Clinic 600 Highland Ave Madison WI 53792 (608) 263-6240
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UW Health Gynecology/Oncology Clinic 600 Highland Ave Madison WI 53792 (608) 263-1548 |
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UWMF- Managed OB Clinics |
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OB/GYN Clinic 20 S. Park, Suite 307 Madison, WI 53715 (608) 287-2830
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East Towne 4122 East Towne Blvd. Madison, WI 53704 (608) 242-6840 |
West Towne 7102 Mineral Point Rd. Madison, WI 53717 (608) 828-7610 |
Fitchburg 5543 East Cheryl Parkway Fitchburg, WI 53711 (608) 274-5300 |
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If you live out of the area, call 1-800-323-8942.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 02/05/2013
Copyright © 02/05/2013 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#5773
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