What Is a LEEP?
This procedure takes around 20 minutes and is performed in your healthcare provider’s office underlocal anesthesia.
Contraindications
Severecervicitis(inflammation or infection of the cervix) is a contraindication to a LEEP.
Verywell / JR Bee
A LEEP is also not performed during pregnancy unless there is a high suspicion of cervical invasive cancer.
While a LEEP can remove abnormal cervical cells, it is not a cure for HPV.
This will allow for optimal visualization of your cervix.
Once you are scheduled for a LEEP, your practitioner will give you instructions on how to prepare.
What to Wear
You will need to undress from the waist down for your LEEP.
Your doctor’s office will let you know.
This can help ease the mild discomfort you may feel during the procedure.
It may help you to know what to expect, from start to finish.
In the exam room, you will then undress from the waist down and put on a gown.
You will have some time to rest, use the restroom, and place a sanitary pad.
Recovery
After a LEEP, your healthcare provider will give you various instructions to follow at home.
Don’t assume that no news is good news.
The purpose of these tests is to ensure that the dysplasia does not return.
Sometimes a repeat procedure may be recommended.
Strategies for follow-up after a LEEP vary slightly among healthcare providers.
In some cases, if the abnormal cells persist, ahysterectomymay be recommended.
You will also be referred to an oncologist.
Treatment of cervical cancer involves surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy.
Also, do not hesitate to ask your practitioner questions or relay any concerns you have.
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Johns Hopkins Medicine.Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP).
Cleveland Clinic.Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP).
American Cancer Society.Can Cervical Cancer Be Prevented?
