How is LEEP Treatment (loop electrosurgical excision procedure) performed and Recovery

A LEEP Treatment can happen in the office of your gynecologist, in a hospital, or as an outpatient.

The first step in getting ready for LEEP Treatment in Mountain view is similar to that of a regular pelvic exam. Even though you'll be awake during the procedure, you shouldn't feel too much pain. First, your doctor will ask you to lay back on the exam table and put your feet in the stirrups at the end. To protect you from the electricity used during the LEEP, a grounding pad will be put on your thigh. Your doctor will use a speculum to widen your vagina so he or she can see your cervix better.

To see the abnormal cells, a very weak solution of acetic acid or Lugol's solution (iodine) will be put on your cervix. Then, your provider will put a colposcope near where your vagina opens. The colposcope won't go inside your vagina, but it will let you see your cervix up close.

Putting medicine on your cervix

Your provider will numb your cervix with a local anesthetic (lidocaine). During the injection, you might feel your tongue tingling, hear ringing in your ears, or have a fast heart rate. If this happens, it will only last for a few minutes. Once your cervix is numbed, your provider will put a loop of thin wire that is electrically charged through the speculum until it reaches your cervix.

Getting rid of the bad tissue

During the process of removing tissue, you must not move at all. As the loop goes across your cervix, it cuts away a thin layer of surface tissue, getting rid of any abnormal cells. Sometimes, your provider will use a second loop to get a little higher in your cervix. Cancer or other abnormal cells will be looked for in this tissue later.

Putting an end to the pain

Lastly, your provider will put a medicine called Monsel's paste on the wound to stop and prevent bleeding. Monsel's paste is an iron solution.

How long does LEEP take?

The whole thing takes between 10 and 20 minutes. After that, you can go home as soon as you feel up to it.

How painful is it to do LEEP?

When your provider puts the lidocaine into your cervix, you may feel a small pinch or something like a bee sting. You might also not feel anything at all. When the cells are being taken out, you might feel a little pressure or discomfort inside. Still, you shouldn't feel any pain because the anesthesia will make your cervix numb.

Some people feel dizzy during the procedure, even though the feelings are more like pressure than pain. Tell your provider if you feel dizzy or lightheaded at any time during the LEEP.

What does LEEP mean?

After the procedure, you might feel dizzy and need to rest in your doctor's office until you feel like you can drive home. This time to rest takes less than 30 minutes for most people. You'll get instructions on how to take care of yourself after the surgery.

What can I expect when I get better at home after LEEP Treatment in Mountain Views  (loop electrosurgical excision procedure)?

After the procedure, you will probably feel tired. On the day of your LEEP, it's important to get a lot of rest. Follow your doctor's advice about how to take care of yourself in the coming days and weeks.

During the healing process, you can:

After the procedure, I had cramps for a few days. After LEEP, most people get mild cramps. You might need over-the-counter painkillers for a few days to deal with the pain.

Drainage or a spot in the uterus for one to three weeks after the procedure. Right after the procedure, the medicine paste will cause a greenish-yellow vaginal discharge that may smell a little bit bad. Normal is also a brownish-black discharge from the vaginal area. Use pads to deal with the flow.

A regular menstrual cycle. The surgery shouldn't change when or how much you bleed during your period.

There are limits on exercise and other activities. After a LEEP, you should not do too much for 48 hours, and you should limit exercise for at least a week. If you start working out and start bleeding, pay attention to it. If it has nothing to do with your period, stop working out and give your body more time to heal before you start working out again.

Limits on getting together. Wait at least four weeks to have sexual activity while your cervix heals. Don't douch your vagina or put tampons, sex toys, etc. in there.

Limits on bathing. You can take a normal shower, but you shouldn't take a bath until your provider says it's safe to do so.

Looking for a conization and LEEP treatment in California? Woman Good Health of San Jose & Mountain View offers a cone biopsy. Reach out to us now!