If you’re told you need a LEEP (short for “loop electrosurgical excision procedure”) and want to start a family in the near (or distant) future, don’t panic. LEEP isn’t likely to harm your fertility.
LEEP procedures are generally done to treat precancerous cervical tissue. Your doctor will use an electrically charged wire loop to remove the affected cells from your cervix. It’s not a major medical procedure; you’ll usually be in and out of the office or hospital on the same day.
If your doctor is too aggressive with his excision, there’s a chance the procedure can lead to some scarring, which can affect your chances of getting pregnant. Other, more infrequent, complications include cervical stenosis (a narrowing of the cervix) and cervical incompetence (meaning the cervix won’t be able to stay closed during a pregnancy). The good news is that these complications are rare, and if they do occur you can still get pregnant and deliver a healthy baby through full term with various treatment options.
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
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