This article will explore pregnancy and birth for those with a history of LEEP.
How Does LEEP Affect Pregnancy?
Tales of infertility, miscarriage, andpreterm laborare often the first things people hear when researching a LEEP.
Verywell / JR Bee
This is called an incompetent cervix.
Cervical incompetence can result in miscarriage and preterm labor.
However, a cervical cerclage can be done to ensure that the cervix remains closed during the pregnancy.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
This means that the cervix is sewn closed for the duration of the pregnancy.
Only a small percentage of people who have had a LEEP will require a cerclage during pregnancy.
This can make it difficult for thecervixto dilate during labor.
Is It Difficult to Get Pregnant After a LEEP?
There are some concerns about fertility after a LEEP procedure.
However, a meta-analysis reported that previous studies showed LEEP does not impact the ability to get pregnant.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
When Can You Start Trying to Conceive After a LEEP?
It’s generally best to wait six months post-procedure to start trying to conceive.
Summary
LEEP is a procedure used to treat abnormal cells on the cervix.
While it is effective, it does have potential future effects on pregnancy and birth for some people.
Trouble getting pregnant, preterm birth, low birth weight, and miscarriage have all been associated with LEEP.
That being said, everyone is different.
Talk with your healthcare provider about the risks associated with LEEP and your plans for pregnancy and childbirth.
2014.Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics.
289: 85-99. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-013-2955-0
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Fertility and pregnancy after a LEEP.
2014;349:g6192.
doi:10.1136/bmj.g6192
Cleveland Clinic.Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP).
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP).
