Leep Procedure?
LEEP stands for Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure. It is a common and safe procedure used to remove abnormal cells from the cervix (the lower part of the uterus).
During a LEEP, your provider uses a thin wire loop that carries a low-voltage electrical current. This loop acts like a very fine scalpel to carefully remove a thin layer of the abnormal cervical tissue. The removed tissue is then sent to a laboratory for further examination.
Your provider has recommended a LEEP because a previous Pap test or a cervical biopsy (colposcopy) has shown abnormal cell changes, often called dysplasia. These cells are considered precancerous.
The main goal of a LEEP is to remove these abnormal cells to prevent them from potentially developing into cervical cancer in the future.
- Timing: The best time to schedule your LEEP is one week after your menstrual period ends. Please let us know if you are or might be pregnant.
- Medication: Please inform your doctor of all medications you are taking, especially blood thinners like aspirin, ibuprofen, warfarin (Coumadin), or clopidogrel (Plavix).
- Pain Relief: To help with cramping, you may take an over-the-counter pain reliever like 600-800 mg of Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) about one hour before your appointment, unless you have been told otherwise by your doctor.
- Driving: You will be able to drive yourself home, but you may feel more comfortable having someone accompany you.
The LEEP procedure is performed in our office and typically takes only 10-15 minutes. It will feel very similar to a Pap test or colposcopy.
- You will lie on an examination table with your feet in stirrups.
- Your provider will insert a speculum into your vagina to see your cervix clearly.
- Your cervix will be cleansed, and a solution will be applied to make the abnormal cells more visible.
- Your provider will inject a local anesthetic (numbing medicine) into your cervix. You may feel a brief sting or pinch, followed by numbness.
- The wire loop will be used to remove the abnormal tissue. You may hear a humming sound from the machine and feel some mild pressure or cramping, but you should not feel pain.
- A special medicated paste may be applied to your cervix to control any bleeding.
It is normal to experience the following for up to 3-4 weeks:
- Mild Cramping: Similar to menstrual cramps for the first 24-48 hours.
- Vaginal Discharge: You may have a dark brown or reddish discharge. This is from the medication used to stop bleeding and is completely normal. It may have a slight medicinal odor.
- Spotting: Light bleeding or spotting is also common.
To allow your cervix to heal properly, for the next 2 – 4 weeks you should AVOID:
- Placing anything in the vagina. This means: no tampons or menstrual cups, no douching, no sex toys or intercourse.
- Strenuous Activity. Avoid heavy lifting (more than 15 lbs) and high-impact exercise.
- Submerging in water. Avoid baths, hot tubs, and swimming. Showers are fine.
Please call our office immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Heavy bleeding (soaking through more than one large pad per hour).
- Passing large blood clots (bigger than a lemon).
- Severe pelvic or abdominal pain that is not relieved by over-the-counter medication.
- Fever (temperature of 100.4°F or 38°C or higher) or chills.
- Foul-smelling, yellowish vaginal discharge, which could be a sign of infection.
The tissue removed during your LEEP will be sent to a lab for analysis. Our office will contact you with the results, typically within 1-2 weeks. It is very important that you attend your scheduled follow-up appointment to ensure your cervix is healing well and to discuss any further steps in your care.