I’m Scheduled For a LEEP Procedure. What Should I Expect?

Most women don’t look forward to their Pap smear. But they get the screening because they know it’s a powerful way to lower their risk of cervical cancer. 

The good news about cervical cancer is that it grows relatively slowly. With regular screening, like a Pap test, you can protect yourself. Cases of cervical cancer have decreased by more than half since regular screening has become more widespread. 

Still, this isn’t necessarily just a box you tick and move on. Getting a Pap smear is just the first step. You need to respond to your results. If the screening reveals precancerous cells, you want to take action to eradicate them. We can help. 

At Elite Gynecology in Manhattan, Forest Hills, and Rego Park, New York, our all-female team offers the loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP). With this procedure, we can remove abnormal cells and get a better idea of what’s going on in your cervix. 

What happens during LEEP

This treatment gets its name from the device used in the procedure. The “loop electrosurgical” part refers to a wire loop that’s heated with an electrical current. This tool lets us precisely remove abnormal cells while simultaneously sealing the area, making the process fast and highly efficient.

We go through these steps when performing LEEP:

1. You change into a gown and lie on an exam table
2. We use a speculum to open your vagina 
3. Your female provider uses a specialized magnifier to examine your cervical cells
4. She may apply a dye to turn abnormal cells white
5. She applies a numbing agent via injection
6. She uses the LEEP device to remove the abnormal cells 
7. She might apply medication to the area to stop any bleeding 
8. She removes the speculum 
9. You get dressed and go home immediately after

The entire procedure usually takes about 15 minutes. We then send the excised cells to the lab for further testing. 

Getting ready for and recovering from LEEP

In the 24 hours before LEEP, don’t:

• Have sex
• Take medication that affects blood clotting (e.g., aspirin)
• Apply vaginal creams

We usually recommend packing a pad to wear after your procedure. Some vaginal discharge is normal after treatment. 

You may have some cramping for a few days afterward, but over‑the‑counter pain relievers are usually enough to keep you comfortable. We typically suggest avoiding strenuous activity for 48 hours and holding off on exercise for about a week.

For a few weeks, you also need to avoid inserting anything into your vagina. Don’t have sex, use tampons, or douche. 

This information should provide a general idea of how to prepare, what takes place during a LEEP procedure, and what recovery looks like. Our team can provide more detailed information, including personalized recommendations for healing after. 

To get your questions answered before your LEEP appointment, call Elite Gynecology or book a consultation with our team online today.