This is a way the doctor can examine your cervix closely. A coloscope is an instrument that shines a light on the cervix and magnifies it. You will be able to watch the procedure on a monitor, if you wish.

A Coloscopy helps the Doctor to find the reason for the abnormal Pap smear.

A Physician and a Nurse will be present during your appointment.

You will be brought into the clinic, and the Doctor will talk with you. Your Pap test results will be reviewed, and you will have the opportunity to ask questions.

• You will lie on an examination table, with your legs in stirrups.
• The Doctor will insert an instrument called a speculum into your vagina to help to expose the cervix.
• The Colposcope will be placed near the vagina.
• The Doctor will then look through the coloscope to examine your cervix.
• Your cervix will be soaked with vinegar. This solution helps to make the abnormal tissue turn white and become more visible. You may feel a mild burning sensation.

It usually takes about 2 weeks for the Doctor to get the results. We will not call you with the results. They will be discussed at your next appointment. We will call you only if the results change, and the Doctor needs to see you earlier than scheduled.

A LEEP is a short medical procedure performed by a Gynecologist that involves removing abnormal tissue from your cervix using a thin wire loop.

If you receive an abnormal colposcopy result, your health care provider may recommend that you have a loop electrosurgical excision procedure, commonly referred to as LEEP.

LEEP may remove cells in your cervix containing human papillomavirus (HPV). In addition, HPV infections may be cleared by the body’s immune system. You will be tested for HPV after your LEEP. 

No special preparation is needed. You should eat the day of the procedure.

You will be asked to take your clothes off from the waist down and wear a hospital gown.  You will be asked to lay on the exam table in the same way you would for a Pap test.  The doctor will examine the cervix with the Colposcope.  Then a small amount of local freezing medicine is injected into the cervix.  In most cases, this is painless, but you will feel some pressure.  A mild solution of vinegar or iodine is applied to the cervix to highlight the abnormal area. You will then hear two sounds - the fan of the suction machine and the humming sound signal from the electrosurgical generator.  It is very important to stay very still at this point (approximately 10 seconds).  The doctor then uses the device to stop any bleeding.  Sometimes a yellow paste called Monsel's is applied to the cervix to further prevent bleeding.  The speculum is then removed from the vagina, and the procedure is completed.  The procedure usually takes about ten minutes from the time you lie down until the time it is over.

• Most individuals have no symptoms after a LEEP. If you have cramps, you can use pain medication such as plain acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Advil®) for pain relief. You may experience cramps, light vaginal bleeding or watery vaginal discharge for a few weeks. Avoid using tampons, swimming, taking baths, or having sexual intercourse for three weeks.
• Also,  avoid any heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for one week. Your health care provider will review your results with you within three weeks of the procedure. Please contact your health care provider if you haven’t heard from them. Usually, a follow-up appointment will be recommended six months after your LEEP.

If bleeding becomes very heavy and bright red or if you experience clotting or if you have a fever and foul smelling discharge or severe cramping, you should call the clinic at 613-721-2000, ext. 2492 or go to the Emergency Department.

You will be given a sheet of instructions after the procedure. You can resume normal activity after the procedure with three important exceptions. You should not use tampons, not have sexual intercourse and not participate in vigorous exercise for 3 weeks following the procedure.

Follow-up visits are at 6 and 18 months after the LEEP procedure.  A colposcopic examination and cervical screening test will be completed at each visit.

• Based on recent studies, your ability to get pregnant is not affected by a LEEP. It may slightly increase the likelihood of pregnancy complications such as miscarriage and delivering your baby prior to full term. Please speak with your health care provider to address any concerns.  Please advise your health care provider if you're affected by a LEEP. It may slightly increase the likelihood of pregnancy complications such as miscarriage and delivering your baby prior to full term. Please speak with your health care provider to address any concerns.  Please advise your health care provider if you’re pregnant. In many cases, the LEEP can be performed after your baby is born.
• In rare cases, a LEEP may cause the entrance of your cervix to narrow, also known as cervical stenosis.
  

Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) discharge instructions