Miami Beach OB/GYN, led by Dr. Paul Norris, offers compassionate and comprehensive women's health services in Miami Beach. Our expert team is dedicated to providing personalized care to support your well-being.
At Miami Beach Gynecology in Bal Harbour, FL, we offer the Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) to diagnose and treat abnormal cervical cells. Understanding this procedure and its benefits is crucial for women's health.
The LEEP procedure, also known as a loop excision or large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ), is a treatment for abnormal cells on the cervix. During the procedure, a thin wire loop is used to remove the abnormal tissue. This helps prevent the abnormal cells from developing into cervical cancer.
LEEP is performed as an outpatient procedure and usually takes about 10 to 20 minutes. It is done under local anesthesia, so you will be awake but should not feel any pain. Your gynecologist will use a special tool to remove a small piece of tissue from the cervix. The tissue will then be sent to a lab for further examination.
You may be a good candidate for LEEP if you have been diagnosed with abnormal cervical cells, also known as cervical dysplasia. Your gynecologist will recommend LEEP if your Pap smear or HPV test results indicate abnormal changes in your cervical cells. It is important to discuss your medical history and any concerns with your gynecologist before undergoing the procedure.
After the LEEP procedure, you may experience some mild cramping or spotting. It is normal to have a watery or bloody discharge for a few days. You should avoid using tampons, douching, or having sex for at least two weeks after the procedure. Your gynecologist will provide you with specific instructions on how to care for yourself after LEEP.
A1: LEEP is performed under local anesthesia, so you should not feel any pain during the procedure. Some women may experience mild discomfort or cramping afterward.
A2: In most cases, LEEP does not affect fertility. However, in some rare cases, LEEP may cause scarring of the cervix, which could potentially affect fertility. It is important to discuss any concerns about fertility with your gynecologist before the procedure.
A3: Recovery from LEEP is usually quick, and most women can resume their normal activities within a few days. However, you should avoid strenuous activities, tampons, and sexual intercourse for at least two weeks after the procedure.
A4: Like any medical procedure, LEEP carries some risks, including infection, bleeding, and scarring of the cervix. However, these risks are rare, and your gynecologist will take steps to minimize them.
A5: Your gynecologist will recommend how often you should have a Pap smear based on your individual health history and the results of your LEEP procedure. Generally, women who have had LEEP will need to have more frequent Pap smears to monitor for any recurrence of abnormal cervical cells.
For more information about the LEEP procedure at Miami Beach Gynecology in Bal Harbour, FL, please contact us to schedule a consultation.
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