At North Carolina OB/GYN & Midwifery, our team understands that receiving abnormal Pap test results can be concerning, but obtaining more information when abnormal cells are detected in cervical tissue is essential. Colposcopy exams and loop electrosurgical excision procedures (LEEP) are diagnostic and treatment methods commonly used by our Gynecology specialists to identify and treat Pap smear abnormalities. If you have been recommended for a LEEP or colposcopy exam following a Pap test with abnormal results, please explore the following sections to learn more about the process and what factors to consider as you schedule and prepare for your appointment.
LEEP and Colposcopy Procedures: Factors to Consider When Scheduling Your Appointment
Whether undergoing a colposcopy exam or a loop electrosurgical excision procedure, it’s recommended that you schedule the procedure for a date in which you do not expect to be menstruating, this will allow your physician to have better visibility of your cervical tissue during the treatment. Should mild post-treatment cramping occur, the majority of patients are able to manage this temporary condition with non-prescription pain relievers.
Colposcopy: Understanding and Preparing for a Colposcopy Exam
Understanding Colposcopy: A non-surgical diagnostic procedure that allows your provider to examine your cervix using a colposcope (a magnifying instrument). It is typically done in response to abnormal Pap results.
What to Wear: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Some patients opt for a choice that requires them to only remove a skirt or pants. Avoid wearing anything restrictive or time-consuming to change in and out of.
What to Avoid: Avoid sexual intercourse and the use of tampons, vaginal medications, douches, or creams for at least 48 hours before your appointment.
Colposcopy Recovery: If your colposcopy exam is performed without anesthesia or a sedative, you should be able to resume normal activities, including driving, immediately after the appointment. If your physician is planning to take a tissue biopsy during the exam, you may experience mild cramping or spotting afterward; these symptoms don’t generally interfere with driving, but if you are already feeling anxious, planning to have someone else drive may give you additional peace of mind.
Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure: Understanding LEEP and Preparing the Appointment
Understanding LEEP: During loop electrosurgical excision procedures, a sample of cervical tissue intended for further clinical examination is removed with a thin loop shaped wire. Additionally, the LEEP device is equipped with electrical current that simultaneously cauterizes the blood vessels where the tissue was removed. This minimizes bleeding and promotes faster healing. Loop electrosurgical excision is frequently recommended when a Pap examination has detected abnormal cells that may be pre-cancerous.
What to Wear: Similar to colposcopy, wear loose-fitting clothes for comfort. You may also want to bring a pad for post-procedure discharge.
What to Avoid: As with colposcopy, avoid tampons, douches, vaginal creams, and sexual intercourse for at least 48 hours before your LEEP procedure.
LEEP Recovery: Some patients feel lightheaded after LEEP, so you should plan to have someone else drive you home. Have sanitary pads available, as you may experience light spotting or discharge for a few days.
Questions on Colposcopy or LEEP? Contact North Carolina OB/GYN & Midwifery Today for More Information
At North Carolina OB/GYN & Midwifery at Holly Springs UNC Health Care, we prioritize your comfort and health. Whether you need a colposcopy, LEEP, or other follow-up care, our experienced team is here to guide you through every step. If you have questions about what to expect with your appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact our specialists for more guidance; we are committed to helping you protect your health now and in the future.