Undergoing a medical procedure often raises questions about discomfort. For a Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP), understanding what sensations to expect during and after can help alleviate anxiety and promote recovery. This article clarifies the types of sensations one might encounter throughout the process.
Understanding the LEEP Procedure
A LEEP procedure removes a small section of cervical tissue. During this outpatient procedure, a speculum is inserted into the vagina to access the cervix, similar to a routine gynecological examination. A thin, wire loop then excises the tissue, often shaped like a cone. The procedure is brief, lasting 10 to 20 minutes.
The wire loop is heated by an electrical current, cutting tissue and simultaneously cauterizing the area to minimize bleeding. Patients are positioned on their back with their feet in stirrups. A local anesthetic is applied to the cervix before tissue removal.
Sensations During the Procedure
Patients receive a local anesthetic, usually lidocaine, injected into the cervix to numb the area. The injection may cause a brief, sharp pinch or sting, like a bee sting, followed by pressure. This anesthetic blocks pain signals, significantly reducing pain during tissue removal.
Though the cervix has few pain-sensing nerves, surrounding structures can transmit sensations, with patients often reporting pressure or a “pulling” sensation as the wire loop excises tissue. Some experience mild cramping, similar to menstrual cramps, from cervical manipulation or the electrical current. Discomfort is common, but significant pain is not expected due to effective local anesthesia.
Managing Discomfort After the Procedure
After a LEEP procedure, mild to moderate discomfort is common. Cramping, ranging from light to menstrual-like intensity, may persist for several days. Light vaginal spotting or discharge is also common, sometimes appearing brownish or black due to cauterization.
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen are effective for post-procedure cramping, and a heating pad can also help. Rest for 24 to 48 hours aids recovery. Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for two to four weeks to allow cervical healing.
When to Contact Your Doctor
While mild discomfort and spotting are expected after a LEEP procedure, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. Contact a healthcare provider for severe abdominal pain not relieved by medication or worsening. Heavy vaginal bleeding, defined as soaking more than one sanitary pad per hour or heavier than a normal menstrual period, is also concerning.
Other warning signs include foul-smelling vaginal discharge, indicating infection. A fever (over 100.4°F or 38°C) or chills also require immediate medical consultation, as these symptoms suggest complications like infection or hemorrhage and need prompt evaluation.
Citations
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/cervical-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/leep.html
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/loop-electrosurgical-excision-procedure
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/leep/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/leep-procedure/about/pac-20385012
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/cervical-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/leep-recovery.html
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21798-leep-procedure
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/leep-procedure