Provide a valuable resource to your clients or customers by linking to this resource page. Just place the following link on your website.
A loop electrosurgical excision procedure, or LEEP, removes abnormal tissue from the cervix. It uses a thin wire loop carrying an electric current to cut away the affected area. The removed tissue is sent to a laboratory for examination. LEEP is commonly used to treat certain precancerous cervical cell changes.
read more about loop electrosurgical excision procedure ...LEEP may be recommended after cervical screening and follow-up tests identify cell changes that need treatment. The decision depends on the type and severity of the changes and the person's medical history. Removing the affected tissue can help prevent some precancerous changes from progressing. The clinician explains the test findings before the procedure.
A speculum is used to view the cervix, and the area is usually numbed with local anesthetic. The clinician passes the wire loop through the abnormal tissue to remove it. A method to control bleeding may then be applied to the cervix. The procedure is commonly performed without an overnight hospital stay.
Mild cramping, spotting, or vaginal discharge can occur as the cervix heals. The care team gives instructions on when to resume vaginal intercourse and the use of tampons. Heavy bleeding, fever, or worsening pain should be reported promptly. Follow-up testing is needed to check for further cervical cell changes.
Bleeding and infection are possible after the procedure. Cervical scarring can occur, and LEEP may increase the risk of some complications in a future pregnancy. The level of pregnancy risk can depend on how much cervical tissue is removed. LEEP removes abnormal cells but does not eliminate human papillomavirus, or HPV.
LEEP is commonly used to remove precancerous cervical tissue. Examination of the removed tissue helps determine whether further evaluation or treatment is needed.
Yes. A laboratory examines the tissue to assess the cell changes and the area removed.
No. LEEP removes abnormal cervical tissue but does not remove the HPV infection itself.
Yes. Follow-up testing checks whether abnormal cells remain or return.
Fertility and Pregnancy After a LEEP. Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/expert-qa/fertility-and-pregnancy-after-a-leep. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
LEEP: Procedure, Purpose, Side Effects & Recovery. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/4711-loop-electrosurgical-excision-procedure-leep. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP). American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/loop-electrosurgical-excision-procedure. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP). Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/loop-electrosurgical-excision-procedure-leep. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
The LEEP Procedure for Cervical Cancer Prevention. American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/cervical-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/leep.html. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.