What is CIN2?
Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN) refers to abnormal (pre-cancerous) cells on the surface of the cervix.
CIN is not cancer, but CIN2 may develop into cervical cancer over many years if untreated.
CIN is graded from 1 to 3. CIN2 means the changes are moderately abnormal.
The main cause is persistent infection with high-risk types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
What is Conservative Management?
Conservative management, also called active surveillance, means closely monitoring CIN2 changes without immediate treatment.
Why choose Conservative Management?
- Around 50-60% of CIN2 cases return to normal within two years without treatment.
- Alternative surgical procedures may increase the risk of bleeding, infection, preterm birth or late miscarriage in future pregnancies.
- Avoiding treatment helps maintain the cervix’s structure and may support future reproductive health.
Who can be offered Conservative Management?
You may be offered this option if:
- You are under the age of 30 or would like to have children in the future.
- The area of abnormal cells can be fully seen during your colposcopy
examination. - The diagnosis is confirmed CIN2, with no signs of more severe
abnormalities (CIN3) or cancer. - You are willing and able to attend all recommended follow-up
appointments. - Your case has been reviewed by the multidisciplinary team (MDT), who
agree that conservative management is a suitable option for you.
What does monitoring involve?
You will be seen in the Colposcopy Clinic every six months for up to two years to monitor the changes in your cervix.
At each appointment, you may have:
- Colposcopy: a close examination of your cervix using a special microscope called a colposcope.
- Cervical screening test (smear test): to check for HPV and any abnormal cell changes.
- Biopsy: a small sample of tissue may be taken if there are signs that the abnormal cells have changed or become more severe.
What will be the outcome of Conservative Management?
During monitoring, one of the following outcomes may occur:
- The CIN2 improves or disappears – the abnormal cells return to normal and your body clears the HPV infection.
- Return to routine cervical screening – if the CIN2 resolves, you can be discharged from the Colposcopy Clinic and return to the normal cervical screening programme.
- Treatment is recommended – if the CIN2 does not improve, or progresses to a more severe abnormality, treatment may be advised.
What are the risks of conservative management?
Conservative management is a safe option for carefully selected patients, but there are some risks to consider:
- Around 1 in 5 women (20%) may develop CIN3 within two years.
- The risk of cervical cancer during careful monitoring is very low (less than 0.5%).
- Some people may find regular appointments and ongoing monitoring cause anxiety or uncertainty.
What can I do to help?
Although there is no guaranteed way to clear HPV or reverse CIN2, the following may help:
- Stop smoking – smoking can make it harder for your body to clear HPV.
- Use condoms – this may help reduce HPV persistence and support recovery.
- Attend all appointments – regular monitoring helps ensure any changes are identified early.
You can choose to stop conservative management and have treatment at any time during the monitoring period. Please discuss this with your colposcopy team if you would like more information about your options.
Contact us
If you have questions or concerns, please contact:
Doncaster Royal Infirmary:
Gynaecology Outpatient Clinic – 01302 642808
Ward G5 – 01302 642650
Bassetlaw Hospital:
Gynaecology Outpatient Clinic – 01909 572214
Ward B6 – 01909 572254
Patient Advice & Liaison Service (PALS)
If you require this leaflet in easy read, large print, braille or other languages please contact The team are available to help with any concerns, complaints or questions you may have about your experience at the Trust.
Their office is in the Main Foyer (Gate 4) of Doncaster Royal Infirmary.
Contact can be made either in person between the hours of 9am-3pm, by telephone or email.
The contact details are:
- Telephone: 01302 642764/642767 or 0800 028 8059
- Email: dbth.pals.dbh@nhs.net
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