Cancer Cervical Cancer Diagnosis & Treatment LEEP Procedure to Treat Cervical Dysplasia By Lisa Fayed Lisa Fayed Lisa Fayed is a freelance medical writer, cancer educator and patient advocate. Learn about our editorial process Updated on June 01, 2022 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Doru Paul, MD Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD Doru Paul, MD, is triple board-certified in medical oncology, hematology, and internal medicine. He is an associate professor of clinical medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College and attending physician in the Department of Hematology and Oncology at the New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Fact checked Verywell Health content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Heather Mercer Fact checked by Heather Mercer Heather Mercer is native to Northwest Ohio (go Walleye!) and graduated from Loma Linda University with two doctorate degrees (psychology and public health). She is currently a professor at Owens Community College, as well as a fact-checker for Verywell Health. She has gained experience in a variety of settings, ranging from corporate wellness and preventive medicine, to mental health, chronic disease, and end-of-life care. Learn about our editorial process Print Women with persistent low-grade or high-grade cervical dysplasia may be recommended to have a procedure called a LEEP. A LEEP is commonly recommended for women whose cervical biopsy results show abnormal cells on the cervix that may progress into cervical cancer if left untreated. STOCK4B / Getty Images What is a LEEP? LEEP is an acronym for loop electrosurgical excision procedure. A LEEP uses an electrically charged wire loop to remove abnormal cervical tissue. It is done under local anesthesia and normally on an outpatient basis in hospitals or in a doctor's office. During a LEEP: the doctor inserts a speculum into the vagina an anesthetic is injected into the cervix to numb the area the use of an electrically charged wire loop is used to remove abnormal tissue a topical solution may be put on the cervix to stop any bleeding A LEEP procedure is typically painless; however, mild cramping may be felt during the procedure. It takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes to complete. What to Expect After Having a LEEP After a LEEP, you can expect mild cramping, dark vaginal discharge from the solution they put on your cervix after the procedure, and possible mild bleeding with discharge. Heavy lifting and exercise should be avoided for a period of time. Women who undergo a LEEP are recommended to use sanitary napkins as opposed to tampons following the procedure. In fact, no sex, douching, tampons, or basically anything in the vagina is recommended for a certain amount of time. The doctor will advise you how long you should avoid these activities. About two weeks after the procedure, the doctor will follow-up with an in-office appointment. The doctor will check your cervix to see how it has healed and make any further recommendations. This is an important appointment and should not be missed. It is crucial to follow-up with recommended regular cervical exams. Cervical dysplasia can return even if treatment is complete. Regular cervical exams are the only way to monitor for abnormal cervical changes. Is It Safe to Get Pregnant After a LEEP Procedure? 2 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. About your loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP). The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP). By Lisa Fayed Lisa Fayed is a freelance medical writer, cancer educator and patient advocate. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit