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As a preventive measure, we need to remove some potentially problematic cells from your cervix, so you’re scheduled for a LEEP procedure. Here’s a soup-to-nuts look at this quick and easy process.
Recently, your Pap tests have been coming back with abnormal results, and we’ve decided it’s time to take the next step with a LEEP procedure, which stands for loop electrosurgical excision procedure.
We understand that this is new and unfamiliar territory, so the team here at Bay Area Physicians for Women’s Health thought it would be a good idea to take a closer look at this in-office procedure so you know what to expect.
The important role a LEEP procedure can play in your health
Let’s first review the important role that a LEEP procedure can play in your health — in fact, it can even be life-saving.
When we conduct Pap tests, we’re looking for abnormal cells on your cervix. These abnormal cells, given time, can turn to precancerous and then cancerous cells. Annually in the United States, roughly 14,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and the condition claims slightly more than 4,300 lives each year.
To put these numbers into context, when we perform a LEEP procedure, we’re addressing what we call cervical dysplasia, a condition in which abnormal cells grow on the surface of your cervix. This condition affects up to one million women, so you can see that we’re able to step in at this point and prevent the condition from turning cancerous. And that’s where the LEEP procedure comes in.
What we accomplish during your LEEP procedure
When you come in for a LEEP procedure, we get you situated in the exam room as we do for your normal pelvic exams — you lie back with your legs in the stirrups.
Then, we insert a speculum into your vagina so that we can access your cervix. At this point, we can administer a topical anesthetic onto your cervix for your comfort.
From there, we insert a colposcope for better viewing, and then we insert the wire loop, which uses electrical energy to cleanly excise (remove) the abnormal tissues from your cervix. You might feel some discomfort at this point in the form of cramping.
Once we remove the suspect tissues, we apply an ointment to your cervix to control bleeding, and then you’re free to go home.
After your LEEP procedure
You might feel some cramping and discomfort for a day or two after your LEEP procedure, which you can address with over-the-counter medications. You will also likely experience some discharge for a few days or more, so have some pads at the ready.
Please note that we don’t want you to insert anything in your vagina for a few weeks to allow time for your cervix to heal. This means no tampons and no intercourse.
If you’re experiencing abnormal bleeding after a week, please let us know so that we can take a look.
While you recover, our lab will review your tissues, and we will get back to you with our results.
We hope that we’ve painted a clear picture of what to expect during and after your LEEP procedure, but if you have any more questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our office in Mobile, Alabama.