Recovery

After a Cone Biopsy

Choose a preferred language

A cone biopsy is a quick outpatient surgery used to find and treat a problem in the cervix. Your healthcare provider may do a cone biopsy if one or more Pap tests and a microscope (colposcopy) exam showed abnormal cells on your cervix. A cone biopsy takes less than an hour, and you’ll be able to go home the same day.


During your recovery

After the surgery has been done, you’ll rest in the recovery area until you’re awake and ready to go home. An adult friend or family member will need to drive you home.

  • Plan to rest at home for a day or two.

  • Avoid any heavy lifting, straining, and exercising until your healthcare provider says it's OK.

  • You may have minimal bleeding or discharge and mild cramping for a few days after surgery. Use sanitary pads, not tampons, for at least the first month.

  • You may be given medicine to relieve any mild pain.

  • Don't have sex or douche for 4 to 6 weeks after your biopsy. If the cervix has not fully healed, the tissue could be injured and then bleed.

  • Follow any other instructions your healthcare provider gives you.


Getting your results

Your healthcare provider will get the biopsy results and discuss them with you in about a week. They will see you in 3 to 6 weeks to be sure the tissue is healing well.

Woman in exam gown talking to healthcare provider.


When to call your healthcare provider

Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following after your cone biopsy:

  • Heavy bleeding (more than a pad an hour) or blood clots

  • Severe stomach pain or cramping

  • Chills

  • Fever of 100.4°F ( 38°C) or higher, or as directed by your provider

Featured in

Online Medical Reviewer: Donna Freeborn PhD CNM FNP

Online Medical Reviewer: Heather Trevino

Online Medical Reviewer: Irina Burd MD PhD

Date Last Reviewed: 09/01/2025

© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

Make an Appointment

Make an Appointment

Find a Doctor

Find a Doctor

Find a Location

Find a Location
Related Articles
Read article
OB/GYN
Vulvodynia

Pain in a woman’s vulva is called vulvodynia. Some women feel pain in a specific spot. Others may feel pain in different areas or over the whole area.

Read article
OB/GYN
Treating Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) With Medicines

As soon as PID has been diagnosed, it should be treated with antibiotics. Two or more types of antibiotics may be taken at the same time. This ensures that all the bacteria are killed. It's very important to take all of your medicine as prescribed, or the infection may not go away.

Read article
OB/GYN
Understanding Uterine Bleeding

Your uterine bleeding may be heavy. Or you may have bleeding between periods. Read on to learn more about the causes and treatments.

Read article
OB/GYN
Vaginal Infection: Yeast (Candidiasis)

Vaginal yeast infections are a type of fungal infection. Talk with your health care provider about whether you can treat it yourself.