colposcopy and LEEP

I had a colposcopy today b/c of an abnormal pap smear.
I'll find out in 2 weeks if I need to proceeed w/LEEP. Has anyone ever had this done?
I'm really anxious about this b/c we have been TTC, and we can't this month, and if we have to do LEEP, it will be another few months before we can....anyone else?

Re: colposcopy and LEEP

I have had problems with cervical dysplasia for years now and have had everything BUT a LEEP. I actually am recovering from one of the procedures now, that was similar to a LEEP but does not actually take away any of your cervix I have an amazing doctor that will avoid it at all costs for women who want to have children, and says an alarming amount of doctors jump on the LEEP bandwagon because it is a quick fix, but may not be permanent, and as he puts it, there is only so much cervix to take away.

LEEPS should not effect your ability to get pregnant but if you have one done you do run the risk of premature labor, having to have a stitch put in your cervix and scaring which can force you to have a c-section. I am not saying all this to scare you, I have just researched the heck out of this and I personally don't think people or most doctors take it serious enough.

Personally if they suggest you need a LEEP I would ask if there are other options.

If you want more information please feel free to FM me.

Re: colposcopy and LEEP

I agree with the above poster about not jumping to a LEEP if you do not need to. Your doctor should explain all options. You need to make an informed decision. Please know that complications are possible with all medical procedures, but they are not definite. Many people get pregnant and conceive after having a LEEP with no problems whatsoever. In fact, the majority do if you read the research. Please ask your doctor about what is right for you and if you have any doubts, seek a second opinion!

Re: colposcopy and LEEP

I had a LEEP and have had no problems with my pregnancy. It did take me a few months to conceive, however, I did not temp, chart, or use OPK's and have very irregular cycles so Im assuming that is the reason I didnt conceive right away

Re: colposcopy and LEEP

I had both and actually I was happy to have the leep....after that we only had to obstain for 1 month and all my paps have been normal.after.......

Re: colposcopy and LEEP

My doctor jumped on the LEEP train too. I'm going for a second opinion. This was my first abnormal pap and my colpo came back fine.

Re: colposcopy and LEEP

i had a abnormal pap at the age of 18 & my doctor also suggested the LEEP Procedure. I did my research & also coonsulted with my mother who is a nurse. Although she is ormally the first to say no to procedures like this, she agreed that I should do it. I had it done & everything came back normal. I have had paps every 6 months since then. I have also changed doctors since then. I will go back to once a year paps this year, sincce I have been normal now for the past 5 years.

Re: colposcopy and LEEP

I had a LEEP about 5 yrs ago. After the procedure, I was told I def. would have had cervical cancer in 5 yrs if I didn't have it.
When you are pg, your MD will check your cervical length (and if they don't, I would ask for it esp. if you've had a LEEP). Mine is fine - I've had no problems with this pregnancy.

ETS: There is of course concern if you have multiple procedures like this. If they take away too much, you could need a cerlage (stitch up your area when pg to keep the baby in).

Message edited 1/15/2008 11:07:42 AM.

Re: colposcopy and LEEP

I want to clear up my post because I feel I was very negative sounding. I just want to be sure that it is understood that a lot of times LEEPs are done as a first choice instead of last resort like it should be, depending on th stage of dysplasia. The fact is that you can't keep doing LEEPs, because as I said there is only so much cervix there to take away. But sometimes they are necessary, and the majority of women won't have problems with their pregnancy, as I am sure you will have no problems if you choose to do it. I just want it to be known that like many things, doctors push this proceedure and there can MANY MANY other options out ther for you.

Re: colposcopy and LEEP

I have never had a LEEP, but I have had several colposcopies. I was also wondering what effect that would have on TTC, so I asked my Dr. and she said none. I hope you feel better from your procedure...I know I felt like shiit after mine.

Re: colposcopy and LEEP

I had the LEEP procedure done last summer. My pap came back abnormal so we moved forward to the colopscopy, turned out I had cancerous cells growing that were very close to being cervical cancer, which is when my doctor decided to do the LEEP procedure.
My doctor will not even let me go off my BCP till this summer (for fear that I may accidentally get pregnant), and I'm not allowed to TTC until its been a year and a half since the procedure. (which means not until October) She said that it will absolutely not have any negative affect on me conceiving. It's the complications once you've conceived that are the concern. Like was mentioned above, you have a risk of either your cervix opening too soon, or not opening at all when it's supposed to.
Don't be afraid of the procedure because most of the time it is medically necessary. Just make sure you understand the risks, learn everything you can about it, and take everything very seriously.
I hope everything turns out okay for you, and if you have anymore questions you can certainly feel free to FM me.

Re: colposcopy and LEEP