Your doctor may recommend the procedure if they notice changes to your cervix during a pelvic exam or if your Pap test results are abnormal. Abnormal cells could be benign growths (polyps), or they could be precancerous. If left untreated, precancerous cells may develop into cervical cancer.

Is LEEP procedure really necessary?

“A LEEP is a really important procedure because it prevents cervical cancer,” says gynecologic oncologist Kathleen Schmeler, M.D. The abnormal cells found in the cervix are typically caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), but the LEEP can eliminate the effects of an HPV infection.

How do you know if you need a LEEP procedure?

Why might I need a LEEP? LEEP may be done when cervical or vaginal problems are found during a pelvic exam, or abnormal cells are found during a Pap test. LEEP is also done to detect cancer of the cervix or vagina. Cells that appear to be abnormal, but are not yet cancerous, may be called precancerous.