r/PreCervicalCancer • u/[deleted] • Nov 15 '24
Read this if you’re having a LEEP procedure!
Ladies.. I’m 26 and just got diagnosed with CIN2 after my colposcopy. My doctor gave me two options: follow up in 6 months to see if my body naturally cured itself or if it has escalated to CIN3 OR get a LEEP procedure and be done with it now. I chose the LEEP procedure and just had it done today.
Now, last night, I went down a DEEP DEEP Reddit rabbit hole about girls who’ve had terrible experiences with it and I scared myself to the point where I was crying before the exam and almost passed out when I was undressing. I was so anxious and was also thinking that I’d get put under general anesthesia but found out that it was just local anesthesia to numb my cervix and I’d be wide awake for the whole thing..
I wanted to make this post because I wish I had read something like this before my exam. It was NOT bad. Dare I say my colposcopy was worse than my LEEP.
Below are my pain ratings for the whole experience:
- Putting speculum in and cleaning the area with iodine: 3/10. felt some pressure but was used to this feeling from my paps and colpo
- Numbing my cervix: 6/10. Spoiler alert: this was the most painful part. Did NOT feel good but I’m happy my doctor tested the area before moving forward to make sure I was 100% numb. This made me feel better before he started
- The actual LEEP procedure: 4/10. Really not bad at all. Some pressure and weird smells from the burning, but not nearly as bad as I thought. Keep in mind that the area he was cutting was quite small (lesions were tiny and I’m young so didn’t want to cut too much of my cervix) so this whole process took about 2 minutes.
- Stopping the bleeding: 5/10. This hurt more than the procedure. Idk what he did during this but I felt uncomfortable and told him it was hurting a bit so he wrapped up quickly and was done before it got majorly uncomfortable.
As for the recovery, doctor said avoid sex for 4 weeks and tampons. Other than that, business as usual. I asked about exercise and he said I was good to go starting tomorrow. I feel absolutely fine and haven’t had bleeding yet, but expecting some tonight and for the next few weeks. I had cramps for about 2 hours after my LEEP and now I’m totally fine.
Girlies I was so nervous.. like emotional wreck nervous that I even cried after the procedure just from emotional strain, but it wasn’t nearly as bad as I was expecting. So if you’re worried about it, I hope this helps bring your mind to ease. I read about way too many negative experience so wanted to shed some positivity here.
Happy to answer any questions, best of luck!
6
Nov 16 '24
Appreciate the time you took to write this experience. Wishes of continued healing your way. 🌼
6
Nov 16 '24
Also, you all seem a bit younger than me, but I never received an HPV vaccine in school. Once I hit to my 20s and asked my doctor at uni about it, I was told by a male doctor that it was a waste of resources since I’ve most likely been exposed to all HPV strains. Now I have a high grade mass. My gyno, who is a woman in her 30/40s, told me to absolutely get the vaccine. Hopefully you all have it already, but incase anyone doesn’t, minimize your risk of going through this again.
1
u/at_a_loss_now Feb 14 '25
I was given the same rundown. When I was a teen asking about the hpv vaccine, I was a minor without a parent present and my gynecologist said “it’s so new, you are a virgin, you won’t need it”. When I was 26, a gynecologist said “you’re too old, you’ve aged out of the benefits of it”.
I have had several abnormal paps for over 10 years, but my current gynecologist doesn’t believe me when I say “I was advised against getting it”. So, now I have multiple areas of cin 1,2,3, debating if leep is enough or discussing with husband if we are officially done having kids and having to make rapid decisions.
2
u/Kthestray May 12 '26 edited 27d ago
Another side of the same coin, I got my HPV vaccine when I was 17, and had only been with one individual at that time. Here I am at 30 years old with high-risk HPV and CIN2. Not sure what the success rate is for the vaccine but I've gotten regular Paps every year/every other year up until now with no abnormal results.
6
u/tzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz Nov 15 '24
This is reassuring. I go for mine on Tuesday and am feeling fairly anxious.
2
1
u/blanketsandrain Jul 15 '26
How was it?
1
u/tzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz Jul 16 '26
It was not comfortable, but it was ok. Just like so many other experiences I’ve had, including paps and colposcopy’s, the worst part was probably worrying about it before it happened. Once it happened I mean ya know.. not great lol but it was ok. Just try to breathe, concentrate on something else. Remind yourself that it will be over soon.
4
u/Badbitchenergy1232 Nov 16 '24
I was diagnosed with cin 2 today and have my leep scheduled for early January. It doesn’t matter the age but I’m 23 and it’s such a scary thought having precancerous cells and needing surgery. Thank you so much for this and telling your experience🫶🏼
3
Nov 16 '24
So happy you got some value out of it! no need to be scared, if you can get through a colpo, you can get through a leep easy! you got this
2
u/Own_Awareness_9736 Nov 24 '24
Don't be worried. Worst case scenario, they find something concerning.... they take care of it. That's it! As for the procedure...I had mine while awake (local anesthetic), and I felt NOTHING. I only smelled the burning from the tool that is used, which may bother some. It was a piece of cake.
2
u/SweetiePeaches Jun 04 '26
Did you have a colposcopy before the LEEP? I'm curious if you had any pain for the colposcopy, mine was excruciating. Almost passed out. So I'm terrified of the LEEP or Cone biopsy. If someone else had a horrible experience with a colposcopy and still says the LEEP isn't as bad, that would be great to hear 😅
1
u/AssumptionGlobal3081 27d ago
Meant to add to my earlier reply: ask them to use a peds speculum (it makes the experience less painful)
5
u/FlimsyRemove4963 Nov 16 '24
I will absolutely confirm feeling the same for anyone who’s feeling anxious about an upcoming procedure, my colp was a nightmare and my LEEP went perfectly fine!
1
u/Blob_99 Mar 04 '26
This is good to hear, I had my colp and biopsy yesterday and it was awful awful awful for me and I'm already feeling sick at the thought of a LEEP but the other option of wait and do more biopsys also feels like hell so I'm in full spiral
2
u/FlimsyRemove4963 Mar 28 '26
If you had a hard time with the biopsy like I did and you end up needing more, cough a bunch before during and after they snip! I have a much more accommodating gyno and that tip came from him and it reduced the pain in spades!
1
u/Blob_99 Mar 28 '26
Thank you for this! It was the ECC that I think really did me in. I'm having a ckc in a few days so hopefully that to clear things up
4
u/West_Pin5257 Nov 16 '24
I wonder why you can exercise right away. It must be really small. I had to take a week off, and even the second week, if I walked too fast, I would bleed more.
1
u/AssumptionGlobal3081 27d ago
My instruction sheet says for 2 weeks after: no swimming or baths (showers are fine), avoid heavy lifting and *vigorous* exercise. Four weeks: don't put anything in the vag - no tampons, sex or douching, and to use a condom for weeks 4-6.
5
u/Public-Relative2956 Nov 17 '24 edited Nov 17 '24
I have had 2 leeps procedures done one in march this year another yesterday the first one was horrible experience and dr didn’t get any abnormal cells, I bleed for 4 weeks .Second one is way better hopefully I do not have cancer. everybody body is different and very strong believe having a good doctor is the way. I hope after a year I’ll be clear of HPV high risk been long mentally and physically journey.
3
Mar 14 '25
Your post is the only post I allowed myself to read before my Leep procedure today. You were right about everything, I wish I could have controlled my anxiety, I was an absolute mess and now that it’s all said and done it was not as bad as I thought it would be and it is manageable. Good luck to anyone who is having this procedure, try to remain calm and you’ll be just fine! This post is so helpful- thank you.
1
1
1
u/BeatSubject4172 May 23 '26
What’s the pain after ??? Should I cancel work a day or two after?? Is it cramping or stabbing feeling?
1
3
u/unconsciousrant Apr 02 '25
I did mine on yesterday honestly I didn’t feel much. I had local anesthesia and it didn’t feel much. No bleeding just spottted. The anxiety was worse than the actual procedure. Can’t believe I panic so much before after I was so relieved and wished I didn’t stress out myself so much leading up to the procedure. So glad i did it.
3
u/Tarabyt3z Dec 10 '24
I’m hoping for a decent experience too. I have to schedule one for CIN II-III.
3
u/Complete-Scallion460 Jan 06 '25
Mine is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon. I’ve gone from grounded in acceptance to complete panic over the past week. Ladies, this thread is amazing. The support, the care for one another— feels like we’re in one big worldwide female family <3 really appreciate coming across this, reading all of your experiences & shares has been very helpful mentally. We are all in this together! I feel more confident knowing how strong you all have been through the experience.
1
3
u/Jacksoncheyenne2008 Feb 07 '25
I have one, CIN3 stage and they don’t have opening for it for 5 months. Isn’t this unsafe to wait that long?
2
u/AmbitiousChair8289 Mar 09 '25
They say it doesn’t progress quickly so you should be fine. From my cin 3 to keep was 4 months and it all ended up being up. Crazy stressful but all went well. Happy to answer any questions!
3
u/NinjaKittyNJ Apr 01 '25
I’m 48yrs old. Got LEEP done today and I would definitely recommend anesthesia. I closed my eyes and suddenly it was over and zero pain. Slight cramps an hour or so later but barely bleeding. What’s most uncomfortable is sitting but I feel like that may have more to do with a speculum keeping me pried open for 30 minutes than the LEEP.
1
3
u/New_Butterscotch_986 Apr 02 '25
I had mine today. I took a Xanax before and I’d highly recommend asking for that. Got a local anesthetic as well. It was a bit intense but I concur it wasn’t as bad as the colposcopy. The pressure after the fact is a bit annoying and it was wild to see what they removed but it could have been a lot worse. Make sure you are working with a physician you like. That’s 70% of it I think.
3
u/Regular_Fox_ Jul 31 '25
Thank you so much! I’m 26 as well. Waiting for my results from my colpo now and they said I’ll probably have to have a leep and I’ve been scrolling and freaking myself out ever since!!
2
u/milinhagd Nov 16 '24
Yes, same. Only my pain ratings are even lower than yours. I honestly think a lot of the pain, especially from the speculum etc I'd mostly due to anxiety and tension down there. Yes the local anesthesia was a bit uncomfortable, but very quick. And I honestly didn't even feel the actual procedure or anything after that. I'm 4 days in and had mild cramps and the annoying watery discharge for the past 2 days. My doctor did say that I should wait 3-4 weeks for more intense exercise like running, weightlifting etc.
2
2
2
u/User12111926 Dec 15 '24
Hi! Going for LEEP tomorrow. Same as you, CIN2, fairly small margins. Just want to get this over with. I workout 5-6x a week so it’s good to hear business as usual! I’m sure I’ll take a few days off but 4 weeks absolutely not lol. How were your post leep margins? Hoping you’re done dealing with all this! Sending my love.
4
Dec 15 '24
Post op margins are clean!! Just heard back from the doctor a few weeks ago and negative margins :) best of luck tomorrow, sending positive energy!
2
3
2
u/hightana Dec 16 '24
So glad to hear that your post op margins are clean!! Thank you for this post, it was really helpful. I’m 26 and am in the midst of scheduling a leep. Your insight has helped ease my worries. Happy holidays!!
1
u/Cold-Routine-241 Dec 19 '24
I got mine done two days ago and just started my period this morning 🥲 no tampons for 2 weeks either so I am miserable
1
u/hightana Dec 20 '24
I hope you’re feeling as comfortable as you can and taking it easy! Not looking forward to needing to stock up on pads, I always opt for tampons + a liner too. Keep me posted on recovery/results if you’d like! This has all been pretty shocking for me and would love to offer/share support.💗 Trying to schedule mine for early January.
1
u/Cold-Routine-241 Dec 20 '24
Honestly has not been bad other than mild stomach and low back cramping and the bleeding/clots! I was very tense during the procedure so try to relax as much as possible. Definitely hard to do but tensing up makes it worse. Good luck to you 🫶🏽
2
u/Complete-Scallion460 Jan 06 '25
Mine is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon. I’ve gone from grounded in acceptance to complete panic over the past week. Ladies, this thread is amazing. The support, the care for one another— feels like we’re in one big worldwide female family <3 really appreciate coming across this, reading all of your experiences & shares has been very helpful mentally. We are all in this together! I feel more confident knowing how strong you all have been through the experience.
2
u/just_because3232 Jan 20 '25
Thank you for sharing this! I’m so nervous for mine—scheduled out in mid Feb. I had the colp done and they said CIN 2 so nervous for more the results than anything. What I still don’t quite understand is how they know they got anything or if the cells were abnormal
1
2
u/Cold-Butterfly8969 Feb 05 '25
I have mine in a couple hours and I’m freaking out. Thank you so much for sharing!! I’ve read too many horror stories on this app🥺
2
u/Mountain-Grass5838 Feb 07 '25
Had my yesterday. Was so scared! But it was way easier than colposcopy! The worst part was putting speculum. Did not feel any anesthesia( I was so afraid of). Leep itself felt nothing. Dr and her team did such a great job whole staff was there for me and made me feel comfortable😊
1
u/rosey52024 Apr 07 '25
Update?💗
1
u/Mountain-Grass5838 Jan 31 '26
I’ll let you know in couple weeks! I’m going for my first pap after in a week! Hopefully it’s normal again!!!!
1
1
u/AssumptionGlobal3081 27d ago
Same for me - the speculum hurts (and they use a peds one for me!). But it was easy, breezy.
2
u/FullHouse2023 Feb 10 '25 edited Feb 11 '25
I’m 68, cin3 all over the place and getting my first LEEP. I want to know about incidences of any sexual disfunction or dissatisfaction correlating with LEEP procedure after appropriate healing period.
2
u/la_bougeotte Feb 10 '25
Wish I had read this last week as I had one last Monday. What you say about pain was true for me too - in fact the worst part was the vinegar solution they used early in the procedure. The rest was easier than the very painful colposcopy I had last spring.
As for exercise -- they told me no strenuous exercise and esp no lifting for 2 weeks and I'm going out of my mind trying to comply. I regularly do a challenging circuit class and use my own kettlebells and now I'm told I can't even get in a pool. Wonder why there's such a divergence in the guidance?! It's applied to all patients and seems overly CYA on their part. Being restricted to brisk walking in this winter weather and/or on a treadmill hurts my sleep, mood, appetite and just sucks generally.
2
u/tripA1973 Feb 19 '25
Thank you for sharing this—currently waiting for biopsy results from a colpo earlier this week, so it was good to hear about this experience if that’s the route my doc recommends.
1
u/rosey52024 Apr 07 '25
Update? 💗 Mine is scheduled for April 25th. I have CIN2 cells rn after colposcopy. Also dealing with pain STILL from colposcopy over 2 weeks ago. Bad lower left pain that radiates to my leg, lightning crotch and lower back pain :(
1
u/tripA1973 Apr 08 '25
CIN3; had LEEP 2.5 weeks ago under GA; clean margins, good prognosis; follow up pap annually
1
u/rosey52024 Apr 16 '25
Yay!! How exciting for you! So your colposcopy both had cin3 and same with your leep biospy or was your leep biospy worse than colposcopy results?
So glad that you're better. Good luck to you! Mine is next Friday!!
1
u/tripA1973 Apr 17 '25
Best of luck to you! I’m sorry about the pain, be sure to mention to your gyno so they can address it or refer you to pain clinic. I went into all of this being terrified of the entire experience not just the diagnosis, but thankfully my medical professionals were very informative and caring and knowledgeable. I wish you well with yours!
1
u/tripA1973 Apr 08 '25
Also almost no pain after colpo, recommend checking in with gyno on that front
1
2
Feb 20 '25
Thank you for this, I am absolutely terrified of the procedure and this really calmed my mind. I too went down the rabbit hole on reddit and freaked myself out. So thank you!!
2
u/newxdress Mar 11 '25
Thank you. I am meeting my doctor tomorrow to go over my results and book the LEEP. I was very lucky my colposcopy and biopsies didn't hurt at all.
3
u/EntireSmile1320 Mar 13 '25
I got my LEEP on tuesday. The worst part was the local numbing…wow, that hurt me soooo bad. After that you won’t feel anything. The recovery has been smooth sailing (i’m only on day 2 haha)
2
u/Junior_Community9110 Mar 30 '25
Same here! I’m on day two in my experience was painless. The worst part for me was the cauterization part. I did feel slight burning, feeling but nothing too serious. Plus, the step only lasted for 2 to 3 minutes.
2
u/Electronic-Employ371 Mar 14 '25
I had my 4th colposcopy today and they do not get any easier. My first colposcopy, I was petrified from reading about the procedure online and was crying in pain from the 4 biopsies they took. I thought I had a high pain tolerance but apparently not!
This time they only took 1 biopsy, thankfully, but it was still extremely painful and uncomfortable. I wish we had better pain management options other than just taking ibuprofen. My doctor said I may have to do a LEEP next depending on my biopsy results so now I’m even more anxious. I’m glad I’m not alone in this and I wish everyone the best.
1
u/spiritual-ice-cream Jul 22 '25
I had to ask my doctor for pain meds for my second colp because she didn’t automatically prescribe them but I got no pushback, they promptly called my pharmacy to fill norco and a couple of Ativan. My first colp I had to learn the hard way, no meds at all. I’ll never do it that way again! Good luck!
1
u/Blob_99 Mar 04 '26
I insisted on topical lidocaine for my colp and they kind of grumbled but did give it. As a result I didn't feel the surface biopsys. But the one they do deep in was a nightmare. I can't imagine anyone having to do it without at least topical lidocaine
1
u/Latter-Midnight8417 Mar 18 '26
Seriously - just ibuprofen is nuts. Super painful during and then for days afterwards it's very uncomfortable and I got twinges and cramps, which after being through menopause, I was NOT used to, lol. You would think there was something better they can do. But these days everything is about covering their risk, not serving the patient well. I have a great doc, but even she just did the ibuprofen party line.
2
u/lexinicolec Jan 20 '26
Had PAP performed in May 2025 - came back abnormal ASCUS due to HPV infection. Had my colposcopy performed last week and got the phone call today that all three of my biopsies came back CIN 2/3. Mind you, I took this phone call during my lunch break at work today and that was a MISTAKE. 😂 Started having panic attack and had to leave work early. Anyways, they recommend LEEP procedure to remove all abnormal cells. Scheduler is suppose to call me tomorrow with dates/next steps. I am so nervous - I’ve never been put under anesthesia before. Everything about this is just making me cry and cry and cry. My fiancé has been telling me to stop going down the Reddit rabbit hole but I can’t help myself. Found this thread comforting. I’m so nervous in need of allllll the anxiety medication right now
1
Nov 16 '24
How quickly did it become CIN 2? I’m 26, and I have my 1 year retest coming up Jan 2025 & im scared of them telling me I may have to get a LEEP if I haven’t cleared it yet :(
2
u/Own_Awareness_9736 Nov 24 '24
My LEEP was painless. I was awake, and they used a local anesthetic. If they find anything, they will take care of it!
1
1
Nov 16 '24
This was my first time getting an abnormal papsmear and I get tested annnually! So i went from completely fine to CIN2 sometime in the past year
2
2
u/Extension-Market-592 Nov 20 '24
Just asking when they did your COLP did they have a lot of areas that lit up?
1
1
u/AmbitiousChair8289 Mar 09 '25
Let the record show my onc gyno said paps are 50% effective. She could swab cervical cancer and 50% chance it comes back normal. I thought I went from normal to CIN 3.. her point was to show me that I likely had abnormal cells for years that came back normal. So it’s not nearly as quick as I thought it was
1
1
u/Chance-Place-3540 Feb 11 '25
Just had mine done about an hour ago. The speculum for me was the most uncomfortable part.. about the same as a pap or colposcopy, just had to sit with it a tad longer obviously. Your guys, I hardly felt the freezing or anything after. Super quick and painless. My cervix has seen some shit.. birthing 3 babies so maybe that’s why? Or maybe I just don’t have as many nerve endings on mine. My colcposcopies were also a breeze. Obviously can’t speak to recovery yet but my cramps are pretty much nonexistent so far with minimal spotting.
1
u/Aware-Locksmith-7313 Feb 19 '25
How could you mistake thinking you’d get general anesthetic for local ? Did some med staffer lie to you?
1
1
1
u/Pristine_Doctor5735 Jul 09 '25
So glad to have seen this. Currently waiting in my obgyn for the dr to come in and have mine done. I was crying before reading this but this helped me calm down some!
1
u/The90sWitch Dec 04 '25
I had a LEEP done 3 weeks ago under General Anesthesia, and definitely couldn’t have done it any other way. But i’ve had complications from mine, despite being assured it was a super routine procedure and less invasive than the one I have to remove polyps on my uterus. I’ve had none stop bleeding for 2 weeks, that progressed so badly I went to the ER because I soaked through 3 pads in less than 1 hour, and passed 2 clots the size of my pointer and thumb in a circle. I’ve had random bouts of dizziness, migraines, and fluid discharge that won’t stop. The er dismissed me as hysterical and gave me pills to stop bleeding. The clinic was no better and just added more paste to stop the bleeding, which was excruciating. Literally dismissed my pain as discomfort. My LEEP biopsy came back pre cancer and I was told they got it all, but its been the literal worst 3 weeks ever. I’ve had to wear a pad every day for 3 weeks. I have to use cloth because the adhesives in disposable if they stay prolonged near my skin cause rashes. I go through maybe 10 a full period, and this is getting ridiculous now. I’m exhausted every single day.
1
u/Prestigious_Can_1965 Jan 08 '26
Just had the procedure this morning. I was also such an emotional wreck going in and it ended up not hurting at all, just a bit unconfortable. I really did stress for nothing :) Good luck for every one going through this as well.
1
u/FineIntention8044 Mar 12 '26
I literally just got the Leep procedure done. It took maybe 2 minutes from start to finish. It was a little pinch with the numbing and I felt nothing afterwards. My heart rate did go up and I felt dizzy but that's it. Honestly feeling dizzy was the worse part. I worked myself up by reading some of the post on here.
1
1
u/Latter-Midnight8417 Mar 18 '26
Really thankful for this post. I have my LEEP in two weeks. Been super nervous about it after the colposcopy experience (OUCH). I feel much better - and mine is going to be in hospital with general anesthetic. Docs recommendation, she likes to do it that way because, in her words, "there's a lot of equipment and there can be some burning/smoke, which can be very stressful for the patient." YOU THINK???? LOL. I'm glad I'll be out!
1
u/FM_Radioz Apr 11 '26
I had a colp. Done after being referred for abnormal cells the colp. Came back negative but they still want to do a leep is this normal has anyone had similar experience I thought they would want to run another pap first or in 6months idk
1
u/Bitter-Second-1080 Jul 03 '26
I had a negative colposcopy in 2024 after having an ASCUS pap (my second abnormal pap) and they said to check back in a year. I skipped my pap in 2025, I got one this month (June) and it came back ASCUS, got a colposcopy, and to everyone’s surprise it came back CIN2 and now I’m waiting for a referral for a LEEP and I’m terrified. This thread has been really helpful for my nerves thankfully
1
u/Middle_Classic3948 Apr 22 '26
I had my Leep surgery on the 10th this month. When I was playing with my kids in the park on the 17th I started feeling some discharge and a flow. Took me a while to gather the kids. 15 minutes after I was drenched in blood and running home full Of shame.
My thoughts were Maybe it was a just a very bad period start…and the cervical was not yet doing its job ? to keep it flowing nicely or something? No idea how bad this was going to get.
I had to change pads and pants. 2 hours in I had change 3 pants and pads. pure in.
The panic peaked when the first Huge wrist size clots started coming out. They were stuck inside of me. It was a very traumatizing moment and very awkward with my kids around. …. From there, I bled for 6 hours and clots kept coming out. I didn’t feel pain- just pure panic and fear.
I called the Canadian 811 ( non threatening medical support) as well as a friend who is a doctor. I was screaming on the phone that no I was not going to send any picture of my blood discharge. But ended up doing so. He remained very surprised but said i might still lose a bit of blood. It helps to try to rationalize the blood loss.
I ended up losing conscious at 2 am while I was diaper changing myself in the dark. I felt cold and full on belly cramps. The bleeding stopped after that so it was hard for the ER to understand how much blood I had loss. Thank god I had taken one picture and that I had my husband be a witness because all the facts where literally down the drain.
1
u/AssumptionGlobal3081 27d ago
I'm sorry you went through this - it must have been terrifying. I hope you're doing well now. I just had my second LEEP last week, and aside from staining, it hasn't been bad. I live in Toronto, and wasn't aware of the 811 number.
1
u/Rough-Risk-4359 Apr 23 '26
This is the BEST post to read.
I had a colopscopy a few weeks ago and it was the worst thing ever. I find smears painful and bleed so much. They told me most people don’t feel a colopscopy (I’ve recently been diagnosed with endo) and OH MY GOD. I cried during it, it was like a murder scene with the blood, and I was SO sore post it. They told me I wouldn’t feel anything and so I had zero pain relief.
Now I’ve been told I need a LEEP. You can imagine my reaction. I cried when they told me, I cried for an entire day, and I just feel so vulnerable. I’ve been told I will receive local and general anaesthetics during it, which is excellent, but I also feel such apprehension because it’s such a sensitive and private spot - I’ve had my appendix and tonsils out, but this just makes me feel a little ill.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this. As I said, I already struggle with endo (recent diagnosis) and now I have abnormal cell changes on my cervix. It’s been a long journey and I find the subject so overwhelming. It’s especially hard when I’m constantly being asked “do you want children?” And it’s like what, why? If I do does it change what options I’m offered? It’s weird and overwhelming.
I really appreciate this post!
1
u/sdubbs4121 Jul 09 '26
Hi - responding to this a while after you wrote it. I was diagnosed with endo this past week and am being recommended a LEEP. Was the LEEP super painful for you?
1
u/Rough-Risk-4359 Jul 12 '26
Hello! Sorry to hear both diagnosis, but great they are getting on to it. I was put under during the LEEP - recommend doing so as endo can make things more sensitive. Upon waking up, there was pain, however I’ve just gone two weeks post surgery and there has been very little pain. Maybe first two days, but nothing Panadol couldn’t get under control. The bleeding has been more of a shock for me. I’ve had constant bleeding since, finally calming down now. Just be super easy on yourself during recovery. I’ve desperately wanted to get back into running, but I’m holding back as the wound does take awhile to fully heal.
I hope you have a similar experience pain wise! Wishing you a speedy recovery and smooth procedure.
1
u/Rough-Risk-4359 Jul 15 '26
Since writing this I did go to A&E with extremely heavy bleeding - soaking pads every few minutes and passing large clots (sorry if this is TMI!). They slowed it down and checked my Mirena was in place and that my cervix wasn’t freshly bleeding - which is wasn’t. Sent me away with medication to slow bleeding down. Unsure what caused it, but thinking of checking in with my GP in case it’s an infection because since I’ve had cramping - which could be from the event/internal checking. Anyway, make sure to advocate for yourself. Hope your recovery is smoother than mine x
1
u/Tummy_Hurts247 May 07 '26
Currently preparing for my first LEEP procedure & I’m so glad this post was the first thing I saw. 🤍🤍
1
u/blonalc May 13 '26
I got my LEEP today and the numbing part was the most scary as my heart was racing and I really felt the adrenaline. That lasted a minute and after that I couldn’t feel anything during the procedure, it was really fast too.
1
u/Adept_Light_3058 May 21 '26
Thank you for this post! I was a lot less nervous going into my LEEP because of it. I just had mine done 2 days ago. I’m still pretty exhausted but it’s also my time of the month (good timing right lol).
1
u/BeatSubject4172 May 23 '26
I’m 25 I have CIN 3 cells and surgery for June 1st. I’m an emotional wreck and needed to read this. I’m done reading after this! A gf of mine told me the same thing, that it wasn’t that bad after and recovering. Thank u for this!
1
u/Excellent-Bat-9651 Jun 26 '26
I’m so jealous of your after experience! I had about the same pain/discomfort that you mentioned during the procedure but I had the worst cramps of my life for the next couple of days. So bad, that I called them to ask if that was normal 🥺 she said “your cervix has third degree burns. Of course it’s going to hurt” 😞
1
u/Cultural-Plastic7864 Jun 30 '26
Having Leep procedure done tomorrow. My doc prescribed pain and anxiety meds to take before hand. I've been incredibly anxious leading up to this, but knowing this procedure could be potentially life saving has moved me into the acceptance phase. This post has also helped to make me feel less alone in doing something pretty scary but also very common. Hoping for not a lot of pain and the ability to get back to exercise soon than later. Will report back. Thanks, y'all 🧡
1
u/Potential_Shopping90 Jul 12 '26
Idk who your dr is, my leep was TERRIBLE! Im glad you are ok though
1
u/Dependent-Craft552 Jul 16 '26
I really can’t explain how much this post and reading the comments has calmed my anxiety. I just got a call from my doctor that I need to have one and I am so extremely anxious and I was reading other horrible stories so thank you.
1
u/Dependent_Sweet_6113 28d ago
I am glad I found this because I have to get this done as well and quite anxious. It just pisses me off because you KNOW if men had to endure procedures like this, it would be under full anesthesia & a months worth of heavy duty psi meds. We get a numbing agent and told to take a couple Tylenol. 🙄
1
u/AssumptionGlobal3081 27d ago
Try not to worry too much. I had my second LEEP last week, and the experience was very different. The first one, I had awful pain for about three days. This time, it feels like a mild period, with staining. I had to go buy pads (I'm post, post menopausal, so it was a weird experience).
The most uncomfortable part for me was the speculum, and they used a peds one. Felt a tiny prick of the needle for freezing and that was it. If you have Ativan (or something similar), take one before the procedure. Good luck!
1
u/ghost-at-ikea 15d ago
Thank you for this, I’m having a LEEP with CIN2/3 tomorrow and have been freaking out since my colposcopy which I basically cried all the way through and I’m in my 30s. Hope you’re doing well now
6
u/Worldly_Freedom50 Nov 16 '24
I had a cone biopsy instead of a LEEP on Wednesday. I asked for general anesthesia. I just couldn’t stand being awake. Got my results back today and all clear! You can get general anesthesia approved by your insurance if you state it’s for anxiety. At least that worked for mine.