LEEP surgery removes abnormal cells from the cervix using an electrified wire loop. After the procedure, cramping, discharge, and refraining from sex and tampon use are normal. Regular pelvic exams and safe sex practices are recommended to prevent the return of abnormal cells and reduce the risk of cervical cancer and STDs.
If your doctor finds abnormal cells in your cervix during a colposcopic exam, you may be advised to have a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP). This surgery involves inserting a thin loop of electrified wire into the cervix to remove any abnormal cells. After LEEP surgery, the cervix may be sore for a few weeks, and during this time, pink or brown discharge and cramping are usually considered normal side effects. It’s advised not to insert anything into the cervix while it heals, which means tampons and intercourse aren’t usually recommended until your doctor says it’s okay. Once you’ve fully recovered, you’ll want to schedule regular pelvic exams and practice safe sex to help keep your cervix free of cancer and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
After LEEP surgery, you will likely notice mild cramping for a few hours. If it’s severe or seems to get worse several hours after the procedure, you should call your doctor, because this isn’t considered normal. Another side effect of this procedure is brown or black discharge for about a week as the paste used during the surgery comes off gradually. Pink spots are also common and can last up to three weeks. You should call a doctor, however, if you’re bleeding heavily, spotty for several weeks, or notice yellow vaginal discharge, because these symptoms can signal an infection or other problem.
Your body needs time to heal from any type of surgical procedure, which is why you should follow your doctor’s precautions after LEEP surgery. For example, you typically shouldn’t have sex for at least three weeks after the procedure. It’s also not recommended to wash or place anything near the cervix at this time, which means you may want to use sanitary pads or panty liners instead of tampons to soak up any leaks. However, you can resume normal activities, such as work or school, a day or two after LEEP surgery, in most cases.
LEEP surgery can eliminate the abnormal cells, but it’s possible for them to return, which means it’s important to be vigilant about getting regular pelvic exams from your doctor. At first, you’ll probably need a Pap smear every six months for a couple of years, and then you can probably start doing it every year once it’s clear the abnormal cells haven’t returned. After LEEP surgery, it is recommended that you avoid smoking if you want to reduce your chances of getting cervical cancer. Also, using condoms during sexual activity can help keep your cervix healthy, reducing your chances of getting an STD.
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