Any treatment involves a balance between getting rid of any abnormal cells on the one hand and minimising any possible harm on the other hand. Clearly the more of your cervix which has been removed then the less supporting tissue for future pregnancies. Your colposcopist will recognise the importance of the cervix to support future pregnancies and will tend to remove as little tissue as possible while making sure the treatment is sucessful.

Women having had treatment for abnormal cells by loop excision  may be at minor increased risk to deliver prematurely or preterm in later pregnancies. Other treatments such as laser or cold coagulation have not been associated with this adverse finding but these treatments may not be suitable for your problem. A type of treatment called cone biopsy (this usually requires admission to hospital and is performed whilst you are asleep with a general anaesthetic) or repeated treatments may also result in early delivery. If you have had multiple treatments and are pregnant or considering a pregnancy then you should speak to your GP or obstetrician.

While there currently appears to be no ideal way to judge this risk, your obstetrician or gynaecologist may advise a special scan early in pregnancy to measure the length of your cervix. In most cases this is normal but if not your doctor may recommend a cervical stitch (or cerclage) to provide additional support. This is generally fitted when you are pregnant with a short general anaesthetic and removed whilst you are awake shortly before your baby is due.

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