Caring for women of all ages

Being told you have an abnormal Pap smear can leave you feeling anxious and nervous. But catching changes to your cervical cells early ensures a better outcome from treatments such as the loop electrosurgical excision procedure, or LEEP. At NA OB/GYN, in New Albany and Holly Springs, Mississippi, your women’s health specialist may recommend LEEP as a treatment for removal of abnormal tissue. To learn more about LEEP or to schedule your Pap smear, call the office today or request an appointment online.

What is the LEEP procedure?

LEEP is an advanced gynecological procedure that removes a thin layer of your cervical cells to diagnose or treat cell abnormalities or cancer. During the procedure, an electric current is passed through a thin wire loop that acts like a scalpel to expertly remove the tissue.

Why would I need LEEP?

Your specialist at NA OB/GYN may recommend LEEP if abnormal cells or tissue are found during your annual gynecological exam or Pap smear. An abnormal test doesn’t necessarily mean you have cervical cancer, but it may indicate you have precancerous cells and are at risk for cervical cancer.

Removing the cells during this stage may help prevent the development of cervical cancer or improve your overall response to treatment.

What can I expect during LEEP?

Your specialist at NA OB/GYN performs your LEEP as an in-office procedure. During the procedure, you sit on the gynecological exam table and your specialist inserts a speculum to separate your vaginal tissue to allow for better access to your cervix.

Then, your specialist injects a local anesthetic into your cervical tissue to ensure you don’t feel any pain during the procedure.

Once the anesthetic has taken effect, your specialist inserts the loop and expertly removes the tissue. If you feel faint during any portion of your procedure, be sure to let your OB/GYN know so adjustments to the procedure can be made to ensure your comfort.

The tissue collected during your LEEP is then sent to the lab for further testing.

How long is the recovery?

It may take up to three weeks for you to fully recover from your LEEP. You may experience some discharge and cramping during the recovery period.

Your specialist may also advise that you not insert anything into your vagina, such as a tampon, and refrain from intercourse while your tissue heals.

Your specialist may have you come back to the office periodically for additional Pap smears to check your cervical cells. If abnormal cells are found during subsequent screenings, then you may need an additional LEEP to remove those cells.

To schedule your Pap smear or learn more about LEEP, contact NA OB/GYN by phone or online today.