LEEP Procedure Specialist in Austell, GA

A LEEP is a procedure that is used to remove a thin layer of tissue from the lower female genital tract to assess the health of the tissues. It is used to remove abnormal cells to obtain them for a biopsy to determine if the cells are pre-cancerous or cancerous. The tissue that is removed is then sent to a lab for testing. The LEEP procedure can also be used to remove abnormal cells that may be preventing healthy tissue from growing in its place. The lower genital tract of those assigned female at birth includes the cervix and the vagina. LEEP uses a device that consists of a wire loop that uses an electric current to heat the wire, making it effective at only removing thin layers of the tissue and leaving the tissues behind completely sealed to prevent infection.

A LEEP may be recommended by a gynecologist while they are performing a Pap test or pelvic exam if they have detected cells that appear to be abnormal, indicating that they could be precancerous and could potentially develop into cancer eventually. The cancer that would potentially be detected would include cancer of the cervix or vagina. A LEEP may also be required to remove polyps (benign growths) that have developed in the lower genital area, as well as genital warts to determine if the patient has been infected with HPV (human papilloma virus), and diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure in those who had mothers who had taken DES during their pregnancy since this exposure can increase the risk of cancer developing within the reproductive system. This procedure is essential in the early detection of multiple types of cancers among those assigned female at birth, being a safe and effective means of removing abnormal tissues for further testing.

The recovery process from a LEEP will vary a little bit from patient to patient, with most patients being recommended to rest for the remainder of the day as the procedure is often associated with feeling lightheaded and can most likely return to work or school within a day or two following the procedure. Any strenuous or excessive activities should be avoided for at least 48 hours and still fairly restricted for at least one week. If there is any bleeding that occurs during a workout or exercise, these activities should be avoided again until the body has fully healed. Restrictions will also be recommended on bathing in that the patient can shower like they would normally but should avoid taking a bath until their healthcare provider has given the go-ahead, and any intercourse, insertion of tampons, sex toys, or use of a vaginal douche should be entirely avoided for at least 4 weeks following the LEEP. Within 2 to 3 weeks, all of the associated discomfort or pain caused by the LEEP should have completely subsided, but the cervix will need around 4 to 6 weeks to heal entirely.

Immediately following a LEEP, it is common for patients to feel a bit lightheaded, so the healthcare provider will likely ask the patient to remain in the clinic and rest for around 30 minutes before driving themselves home from the procedure. Your healthcare provider will ensure that you have any necessary information regarding your recovery and results timeline before allowing you to leave the clinic. You will likely feel pretty tired for the remainder of the day after undergoing a LEEP. It is also common to experience some mild cramping for a few days following the procedure, with most over-the-counter pain medications being sufficient for pain management. Additionally, patients may experience spotting for anywhere from one to three weeks following the procedure, as well as vaginal drainage consisting of either the medication paste that was used at the end of the LEEP procedure (will appear as a greenish-yellow vaginal discharge) or brownish-black vaginal discharge. Visit us today to get comprehensive and specialized care. We are conveniently located at 1810 Mulkey Rd SW Suite 102, Austell, GA 30106! We serve patients from Austell GA, Lithia Springs GA, Mableton GA, Powder Springs GA, Douglasville GA, Fair Oaks GA, Hiram GA, Clarkdale GA, Smyrna GA, Marietta GA and nearby areas!