When you visit your OB/GYN for your Pap smear or routine appointment, you might find that there are abnormal cells present on your cervix. One of the best ways to prevent precancerous cells from developing into cancer or to diagnose other conditions is the LEEP procedure. What is a LEEP procedure? How many LEEP procedures can you have? How many LEEP procedures before hysterectomy? What are the long-term side effects of the LEEP procedure? Here is what every woman should know.
What Is a LEEP Procedure?
Loop electrosurgical excision procedures, or LEEP procedures, are often recommended if you have an abnormal tissue sample or Pap smear. The LEEP procedure is named after the tool used to perform it. The instrument has a thin wire loop that is heated to remove any abnormal growths or tissue. To prevent bleeding, the cervix is cauterized.
What is a LEEP procedure timetable? The procedure itself takes 10-20 minutes, and it can be completed by your OB/GYN. During the appointment, you will recline on the exam chair. A speculum will open your vagina, just like during a Pap smear, so your doctor can get a close look at the cervix using a colposcope.
The colposcope magnifies cells and tissue on the cervix. If the doctor decides you need the LEEP procedure, they will give you a numbing shot to ease discomfort. A solution will be applied to the cervix so that lesions and abnormal cells will be easy to identify. The LEEP tool will scrape off irregular tissue, and the cells might be submitted for testing to determine if there is cancer present.
During the LEEP process, you might feel pressure inside your vagina or a cramping sensation. Most women have a painless experience. It’s important to remember that the LEEP tool can diagnose serious conditions like cancer, and the procedure will never be suggested unless your doctor believes it is necessary. LEEP procedure recovery is generally straightforward.
What Does the LEEP Procedure Treat?
A LEEP procedure is commonly used to treat precancerous and abnormal cells in or near the cervix. These cells are known as cervical dysplasia, and they can develop into cervical cancer over time if left behind. LEEP can also remove cells for further testing to confirm a vaginal or cervical cancer diagnosis. Early detection allows for aggressive cancer treatment, and there are few long-term side effects of the LEEP procedure.
What is a LEEP procedure used for? LEEP might also be used by your doctor to treat or diagnose:
- Genital warts
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
- Polyps (benign, non-cancerous tissue growth)
- Exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES)
What Is LEEP Procedure Recovery Like?
LEEP procedure recovery can vary based on personal health history, the number of LEEP procedures you have had in the past, and other factors. If your recovery is complicated, you should make sure that you let your OB/GYN know. How many LEEP procedures can you have? The answer might vary depending on your recovery experiences.
You will typically have mild cramping, like during menstruation after your LEEP appointment. Watery discharge that contains small amounts of blood is completely normal. Some women have discharge with an unpleasant scent, but that is also expected. Do not put anything inside of your vagina or use vaginal washes. Do not use tampons or douche for three weeks or more. You should also not insert anything in your vagina, including fingers, tampons, or sex toys for three weeks during LEEP procedure recovery.
How Many LEEP Procedures Before Hysterectomy?
Many women are concerned about needing multiple LEEP appointments. How many LEEP procedures can you have? How many LEEP procedures before hysterectomy? The answer will vary and can only be obtained through speaking with your OB/GYN. LEEP is safe to repeat, but if you find yourself needing it frequently or having many issues, exploring a hysterectomy might be a better idea.
How many LEEP procedures before hysterectomy? If you have dysplasia frequently and are sure that you do not want to bear children, a hysterectomy could be appropriate. A hysterectomy is a serious surgical procedure with permanent consequences, so you should consider the decision carefully.
Are There Long-Term Side Effects of LEEP Procedure?
There are few long-term side effects of the LEEP procedure, and LEEP procedure recovery is often straightforward. Most commonly, here are the problems that might happen:
- Scarring of the cervix, which can cause menstruation changes
- Narrowing of the cervix, which can complicate childbirth or menstruation
- Future pregnancy complications, like low birth weight or premature birth
- Burning of the vagina or cervix
Because the LEEP procedure is a critical tool to diagnose and prevent cervical cancer, the minor risk of long-term consequences is worth it for many women. If you are concerned about the long-term side effects of the LEEP procedure or plan on becoming pregnant, your OB/GYN can listen to your concerns and help you in exploring alternatives. Your doctor can also answer questions like, “How many LEEP procedures can you have?” or “How many LEEP procedures before hysterectomy?”
Are There Any Alternatives to LEEP?
Yes, there are several other OBGYN procedures that your OB/GYN can perform to get rid of precancerous or abnormal cells on your cervix. The most common alternatives to LEEP include:
- Cryotherapy, which freezes off any tissue that needs to be removed
- Laser or scalpel conization, which uses a laser or scalpel to cut out abnormal cells
- Laser or thermal ablation, which utilizes a laser or warm metal instrument to destroy abnormal growth or tissue
If you are unsure whether or not LEEP is the appropriate treatment for your cervical cell growth, your OBGYN surgeon can speak with you to assess your condition and offer different paths forward.
Is LEEP for Everyone?
While LEEP is successful for many women, there are some circumstances where it is not appropriate for use. Some of the things that can make you a poor candidate for the LEEP process include:
- Pregnancy
- Severe inflammation of the cervix
- Infection of the cervix
- Menstruation
Do You Need to Prepare for LEEP?
The OB/GYN performing your LEEP will confirm your need for the procedure, explain what will happen during it, and let you know anything that you should do to prepare. Immediately beforehand, you should not use vaginal creams, douche, have sex, or use tampons. If you are menstruating, your procedure will be rescheduled for when you are not bleeding. To lessen any side effects or discomfort, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers before and after.
Prevent Cancer and Remove Abnormal Cervical Growth With Help From Dr. Kompal Gadh
Cervical cancer is a serious concern for many women, and acting quickly to prevent the growth of precancerous cells or abnormal tissue is essential. Dr. Kompal Gadh is a board-certified OB/GYN with years of experience performing Pap smears and LEEP to prevent cervical cancer or confirm a cancer diagnosis.
Dr. Gadh supports women just like you as they go through all of the physical changes that occur as we age. From ensuring a healthy pregnancy to allowing for aggressive early cancer treatment through early diagnosis, the Advanced OB/GYN Institute is here to provide you with the compassionate, skilled care that you deserve. Schedule an appointment today through the Request an Appointment button above or by calling (954) 499-4570.
