LEEP Procedure | Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates
Comprehensive women's health, every stage of life
Hearing that you need a LEEP procedure after an abnormal Pap smear or colposcopy can bring up a rush of questions and, understandably, some worry. At Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates, we believe you deserve clear answers and compassionate guidance at every step, not just a procedure scheduled and squeezed into a busy day.
A LEEP, or Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure, is one of the most effective and widely used treatments for removing abnormal cervical cells before they have the chance to progress into something more serious. It’s a well-established, in-office procedure with an excellent track record, but we know that it doesn’t make it any less personal when it’s your body, your health, and your peace of mind on the line. Our team takes the time to explain exactly what a LEEP involves, why it’s recommended, and what your recovery will look like, so you feel informed, supported, and cared for from your first conversation through your follow-up care.
To schedule your LEEP procedure at our Wellesley office, call (781) 235-4000. You can also request an appointment online.
What Is a LEEP Procedure?
A LEEP procedure uses a thin, low-voltage electrical wire loop to remove abnormal tissue from the surface of the cervix. It’s typically recommended after a colposcopy and cervical biopsy have confirmed the presence of abnormal cells, often referred to as cervical dysplasia, which carry a risk of progressing toward cervical cancer if left untreated.
Unlike a biopsy, which removes only a small tissue sample for diagnosis, a LEEP is both diagnostic and therapeutic. The removed tissue is sent to a laboratory for further evaluation, while the procedure itself treats the abnormal area directly, removing it from the cervix in a single visit. For most patients, a LEEP offers an effective, minimally invasive way to address abnormal cervical cells without the need for more invasive surgery.
Why Might I Need a LEEP Procedure?
Your provider may recommend a LEEP procedure based on the results of your most recent Pap smear, HPV testing, and colposcopy with biopsy. It’s important to know that being told you need a LEEP is not the same as being told you have cancer. In fact, the entire purpose of the procedure is meant to be preventive by removing abnormal cells early before they have the opportunity to develop into cervical cancer. We will walk you through your specific results, what they mean, and why a LEEP is the recommended next step for your care.
Common reasons for recommending a LEEP include:
- Moderate to severe cervical dysplasia confirmed on biopsy
- Persistent low-grade abnormal cells that haven’t resolved on their own over time
- Abnormal cell changes affecting the cervical canal that cannot be fully evaluated during a colposcopy alone
- A biopsy result that suggests the need for a larger tissue sample to rule out more advanced changes
What Should I Expect During My LEEP Procedure?
We understand that any procedure involving the cervix can feel intimidating, even when it’s brief and well-tolerated. Our goal is to make sure you never feel rushed, confused, or unheard, from your very first question to your last follow-up appointment.
Before your LEEP, your provider will review your biopsy results, explain the procedure in detail, and answer any questions you have. You may be advised to take an over-the-counter pain reliever beforehand to help minimize cramping.
During the procedure itself, you will lie on the exam table in the same position used for a routine pelvic exam or Pap test, with your feet in footrests. Your provider will gently insert a speculum to visualize the cervix, just as during a colposcopy. A local anesthetic is applied directly to the cervix to minimize discomfort throughout the procedure. Using a thin wire loop carrying a low-voltage electrical current, your provider precisely removes the area of abnormal tissue from the surface of the cervix. This step typically takes just a few minutes. A solution may be applied to the treated area to help control any minor bleeding, and the removed tissue is sent to a laboratory for further analysis.
Most patients describe the sensation during a LEEP as mild cramping or pressure rather than sharp pain, thanks to the local anesthetic. The entire appointment, including preparation, typically takes 20 to 30 minutes, with the procedure itself lasting only a few minutes.
How Should I Prepare for a LEEP Procedure?
Preparing for your LEEP is simple, and our team will walk you through any specific instructions ahead of your appointment. In general, we advise our patients to:
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen, about an hour before the procedure, unless otherwise directed
- Avoid scheduling your LEEP during your heaviest menstrual bleeding days, if possible
- Let your provider know about any bleeding disorders, allergies, pacemakers, or medications, including blood thinners
- Arrange for a ride home if you feel you may want extra support, though most patients are able to drive themselves
- Wear comfortable clothing and bring a panty liner or pad for after the procedure
You do not need general anesthesia or sedation for a LEEP, and most patients return to their normal routine, including work, the same day or the day after.
What Happens After My LEEP Procedure?
Recovery from a LEEP is generally straightforward. Mild cramping, watery discharge, and light spotting are common for one to three weeks following the procedure as your cervix heals. Some patients also notice a darker, coffee-ground-colored discharge, which is a normal part of the healing process.
To support healing and reduce the risk of infection, your provider will likely recommend avoiding the following for approximately three to four weeks:
- Tampon use
- Intercourse
- Douching
- Swimming or soaking in baths, hot tubs, or pools
Most patients are able to return to work and normal daily activities within a day or two, though we recommend avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for the first several days after your procedure.
Your pathology results are typically available within one to two weeks. Your provider will contact you to review these results, confirm that the abnormal tissue was fully removed, and discuss your follow-up screening schedule going forward. Most patients will need more frequent Pap smears or HPV testing for a period of time after a LEEP to ensure the treated area continues to heal well and stays clear of abnormal cells.
Why Choose Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates for Your LEEP Procedure?
At Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates, we know that being told you need a procedure to treat abnormal cervical cells can bring real anxiety, and we make it our mission to ensure you feel supported, comfortable, and informed every step of the way. Since 1963, we have been providing women with whole-person compassionate care for a myriad of gynecological reasons, from Pap smears to conception options, and screening for total body health. In a world where women are battling to have their voices heard and their concerns met, we want to be a part of the narrative that deeply cares for our female patients and helps them live comfortably inside their bodies.
Our providers take the time to explain your results clearly, answer every question, and make sure you understand not just what’s happening during your LEEP, but why it matters for your long-term health. You can count on the same unhurried, whole-person care every step of the way.
Schedule Your LEEP Procedure in Wellesley, MA
If your provider has recommended a LEEP procedure, or if you have questions about an abnormal Pap smear or biopsy result, we’re here to help. To schedule your appointment at our Wellesley office, call (781) 235-4000, or you can also request an appointment online.
LEEP Procedure FAQs
Is a LEEP procedure painful?
Most patients experience mild cramping or pressure rather than significant pain, since a local anesthetic is applied to the cervix before the procedure begins. Any discomfort after that will typically resolve quickly after the procedure is complete.
How long does a LEEP procedure take?
The procedure itself usually takes just a few minutes. Your full appointment, including numbing and preparation, generally takes 20 to 30 minutes.
Will a LEEP procedure affect my ability to get pregnant in the future?
For most patients, a LEEP procedure does not affect fertility. In rare cases, especially with repeated procedures, there may be a slightly increased risk of cervical changes that affect future pregnancies, which is why your provider will always aim to remove the least amount of tissue necessary to fully treat the abnormal area.
Do I need someone to drive me home after a LEEP procedure?
No. Since this procedure doesn’t require general anesthesia, most patients are able to drive themselves home and resume light activities the same day. If you feel any anxiety about your appointment and you would prefer to have a companion present, you are welcome to do so.
How soon will I get my LEEP procedure results?
Your results are typically available within one to two weeks. Your provider will contact you to review your results and discuss your follow-up screening plan or further treatment options.
Will I need more frequent Pap smears after a LEEP?
Yes, most patients need closer follow-up screening for a period of time after a LEEP to confirm the treated area has healed well and remains free of abnormal cells. Your provider will let you know exactly what that schedule looks like for you.