When Can You Start to Exercise After a Cone Biopsy?

A cone biopsy is a surgical procedure in which a cone-shaped sample of the cervix is removed for analysis. It’s usually performed to diagnose or rule out cervical cancer, particularly when a Pap test has revealed abnormal cells, but may also be used to remove the precancerous cells as a form of treatment for this disease. It’s more extensive than other types of biopsies, since your doctor is extracting deeper layers of cervical tissue. Depending on the size of the biopsy, your surgeon may suggest you abstain from certain physical activities, including exercise.

Timing

For the majority of women, conization sites heal within four to six weeks. During this time, it’s often best to avoid more strenuous activities. This can include anything from lifting weights to more vigorous athletic pursuits, such as running, biking or playing tennis, racquetball, soccer or similar sports. Consult with your doctor to best clarify what level of activity is suited to your needs.

Effects

Possible Complications of a Pap Smear

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Exerting yourself before the conization site has fully healed can damage the affected tissue, which may then lead to bleeding. Any damage to cervical tissue also increases the risk of infection and scarring. You may even weaken the cervix as a result of an indirect injury from the physical activity.

Exercise

After the four to six weeks — and your doctor gives you the go-ahead — you should be able to resume your normal level of physical activity. But start off gradually at first, increasing the intensity, frequency and duration of your workout as your energy and endurance improve. This is especially true when you’re relatively new to fitness after having a cone biopsy.

Warning

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According to Baptist Memorial Health Care, you should contact your primary doctor immediately if you have a fever over 100 degrees F any time during your recovery. It’s also important to contact a medical professional if you start bleeding again, suffer any unusual pain or cramping and notice any vaginal discharge with bad odor. These symptoms could be an indication of an infection or another issue involving the surgical site. Even if these symptoms aren’t associated with exercise, contact a medical professional.