Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) is designed to help women whose cervixes have been invaded by abnormal cells and tissues. A surgeon relies on a wire-like loop to pass electric current to remove the cells to perform the procedure. If your gynecologist realizes that you are in this type of predicament, they may refer you to a board-certified specialist for LEEP in Atlanta at IDEAL Gynecology, LLC. Read on to find out how it works and how to prepare yourself for it.
Table of Contents
Who is eligible for LEEP?
When abnormal cells attack your uterus, you may experience painful menstrual periods and abnormal bleeding. Your gynecologist may perform physical exams or pap smear to detect the abnormal cells that could be benign or cancerous. If your pap smear reveals that you could be susceptible to cervical cancer, your doctor may refer you to a LEEP specialist to remove the cells.
Gynecologists also perform pelvic exams to determine if you are at risk of developing the inflammatory disease. At this point, LEEP might not help much since it relies on electric currents to remove the cells. The best alternative to diagnose a pelvic disease or inflammation is through cryotherapy.
What to expect when undergoing LEEP
While LEEP is considered effective and safe, it does not mean a patient is immune to risks associated with a surgery gone wrong. The primary goal of seeing a board-certified specialist for LEEP is to avoid risks due to infection. If anything goes wrong, you could develop infections resulting from cervix scarring, infertility, or sexual problems.
LEEP effectively works when you are not on your period. Before booking your appointment, your doctor may want to know when your period ends so that they can get a clear view of your cervix. If you are on any medications and supplements that could interfere with your LEEP session, your doctor may request you to stop immediately. Unlike other surgical procedures, LEEP does not restrict anyone from eating or drinking beforehand.
How to navigate life after LEEP
Life after LEEP can be weird because your body is reacting to the absence of these abnormal cells. To reduce your chances of developing any infections or other risks, avoid engaging in overwhelming tasks. Take a rest as soon as possible to promote a faster healing process.
After removing the cells, your doctor may send them to a lab technician to determine if they are cancerous growths or benign. In less than a week, your doctor will mail you the results or ask you to come in for them. If the worst happens, your doctor may design a suitable treatment plan to prevent the cells from growing again.
Are you ready for your appointment?
Going for LEEP can either be scary or relieving, depending on how well prepared you are for it. Knowing what to expect beforehand can help you enjoy the smooth process of healing after your surgery. If you are not sure about what you need to do, do not hesitate to ask for your gynecologist’s guidance. To find out if you are a perfect candidate for LEEP, book your appointment online with a gynecologist today.