LEEP Procedure Specialist

If you’ve had a bad Pap smear, maybe you’ve been told you need a LEEP treatment. At Elite Gynecology, located in the heart of New York City, Dr. Guichard, Dr. Molly McBride, Barbara Sztukowski, NP, and Sarah Weld, NP, take time to explain the procedure to her patients, including why they need it and what it does. If you’re at risk for cervical cancer and need a LEEP, call Manhattan’s Elite Gynecology or book your appointment online today to get the compassionate and confidential care you deserve.

What is a LEEP?

LEEP, which stands for loop electrosurgical excision procedure, is an in-office procedure that can prevent cervical cancer. Dr. McBride recommends the treatment after a Pap smear, colposcopy, or biopsy shows abnormal cell growth. She may also suggest it if she sees or feels something unusual during a pelvic exam.

During a LEEP, Dr. McBride employs a tool with a wire loop at the end that an electric current passes through. This electricity heats up the wire loop, allowing her to remove any questionable cells from your cervix and/or vagina.

What happens during a LEEP?

When you have a LEEP, it’s done right at Elite Gynecology’s New York office. You’re taken into the procedure room, given a gown, and asked to remove your clothing from the waist down. Once you’re ready, Dr. McBride uses a speculum to open your vagina, just as she would during a Pap smear.

She then looks through a colposcope, which magnifies the area like a microscope, letting her see your individual cells. In some cases, Dr. McBride may place a liquid on your cervix that turns abnormal cells white.

If Dr. McBride finds abnormal cell growth, she may apply a numbing agent. Once it takes effect, she manipulates the LEEP tool into your vagina and uses it to remove any cells that are not normal. She sends any abnormal cellular tissue to the lab for further testing.

The whole procedure normally takes 10-20 minutes.

What happens after a LEEP procedure?

As soon as the LEEP is over, you can go home. Bleeding is minimal, as the LEEP tool seals your blood vessels during the cell removal process. If there is bleeding, Dr. McBride applies a medication that stops it.

Depending on the extent of your LEEP, for a few days through a few weeks, you may have to avoid:

• Using tampons
• Sexual intercourse
• Douching
• Heavy lifting
• Strenuous activity

You may also experience mild cramping or a dark discharge from the topical medication applied during the procedure. As your body begins to heal, your discharge may turn watery and be heavier than normal. It may also have an odor.

When you need a LEEP, trust the professional care of Dr. McBride at Elite Gynecology. Call to schedule your appointment or book online.