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The Women’s Wellness Place - logo
Phone: 315-478-1158
Fax: 315-478-3014
Syracuse, NY
The Women’s Wellness Place - logo
For the wellness in every stage of your life.

739 Irving Ave, Suite 530, Syracuse                                 5700 West Genesee St, Suite 221, Camillus  
Phone: 315-478-1158                                                        Phone: 315-870-3622
Fax: 315-478-3014                                                            Fax: 315-478-3014
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Colposcopy/LEEP

For the wellness in every stage of your life

For the wellness in every stage of your life

Colposcopy and LEEP Procedures

If your pap smear comes back abnormal, the board-certified gynecologists at The Women’s Wellness Place provide individualized treatments using minimally invasive techniques whenever possible.

Colposcopy is a procedure used to diagnose abnormalities of the female reproductive organs, primarily the cervix, vagina and vulva. It is used most frequently if the pap smear results suggest that further evaluation is indicated.

LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure) is a surgical procedure used for the management of abnormal pap smears.

Call us for more information.
Doctor talking to patient

Colposcopy: How Is it Done?

A colposcopy is performed with a colposcope. This is a low-powered microscope which does NOT touch or enter the body. This is a "looking" procedure which allows your provider to see the cervix and walls of the vagina or vulva in much greater detail than would be possible with the naked eye. There is no pain. 

A speculum (the metal instrument used for most pelvic examinations) is inserted into the vagina. The cervix is then cleansed with a vinegar solution. The colposcope is then used to visualize the cervix and or walls of the vagina. If abnormal areas are seen, biopsies (samples of tissue) are taken and sent for further evaluation. 

The use of a colposcope no way affects a woman or her childbearing capabilities. It takes approximately ten minutes to complete the examination.
 
After the examination, your provider will discuss the findings with you. Laboratory results will be available in about 3-4 days and will be discussed with you at your follow-up appointment.

Reasons for a Colposcopy 

Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia — A reversible precancerous condition involving the presence of abnormal cells on the uterine cervix, vagina or vulva. Over a period of time (months to years) CIN can stay the same, resolve on its own or progress to cancer. 

Since we can't predict its progression, we feel obligated to evaluate and treat or carefully watch all CINs. If your CIN is MILD, we will carefully follow you. Over 65% of these cases will go away on their own. If your CIN is MODERATE or SEVERE, we may suggest a procedure to remove the abnormal tissue.

Lichen Simplex or Planus: — Lichen sclerosus is a condition that causes white patches on the skin. It usually happens on the genitals, where it can also cause itching or pain. It is more common in women than in men. Women are most likely to get lichen sclerosus before puberty or after menopause. This has been associated with vaginal and vulvar cancer and needs surveillance. It can be treated with topical medications and keep it suppressed, not cured.

Lichen planus is a condition that causes red, purple, or white spots to form on the skin. These spots often itch or hurt. Lichen planus can affect the skin anywhere on the body, including the skin in and around the vagina and vulva. 

Importance of PAP Smears

Every year, thousands of new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed in the United States and the pap smear is our No. 1 diagnostic tool. If this cancer is found early enough it can be cured by simple methods.

High-Risk Factors

There are certain high-risk factors which studies have shown may increase a woman's chances of developing cervical cancer:
  • Women who have intercourse before the age of 20.
  • Women whose mothers took DES while pregnant with them.
  • Women who have acquired viral or bacterial infections through intercourse such as HPV (human papillomavirus). This virus has several types. The low-risk type causes vulvar warts. High-risk types can lead to cervical cancer.
  • Intercourse with many sexual partners.
  • Smoking, illicit drug usage, HIV positivity, or other immune-compromising diseases (Lupus, cancer).
  • External skin conditions like lichen sclerosus or lichen planus
Guidelines for pap smear and colposcopy are continually changing. Your provider will discuss the appropriate testing interval with you at your appointment.
For more information on HPV, visit here or ASCCP. 

LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure) 

LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure) is a surgical procedure used for the management of abnormal pap smears. The abnormal tissue is removed by an electrified wire using radio frequency cutting current. The wire cuts as well as cauterize (stops the bleeding). The risks are small and the treatment results are excellent.
 
Since the procedure is easily accomplished and of minimal discomfort, it is usually performed in the office setting but can also be performed in an operating room. Ibuprofen or a similar medication to relax the uterus may be given prior to the procedure. 

Lidocaine, a Novocaine type anesthetic, is administered locally prior to the procedure, along with epinephrine to prevent bleeding. The epinephrine may give you a flushed feeling and a slightly faster heartbeat. Monsel's Solution (ferrous subsulfate) paste may be used to control the bleeding. This solution is a mustard yellow color and turns to thick brown paste once it is placed on the cervix.
 
Patients can expect spotting for 1-3 days. The maximum discharge is in the first hours, tapering to light pink during the 2-4 weeks after the procedure. Rarely does bleeding require suturing.

Abstain from intercourse, tampons and douching for 2 weeks unless otherwise instructed. Healing is complete by 4-6 weeks depending on the depth. The specimen excised is sent to pathology for further evaluation. At your postoperative appointment, your provider will discuss your results and formulation of plan for your future screening intervals.

Prior to LEEP:
  • Arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment time. You will be given medication to relax. Feel free to bring your phone to list to music.
  • If you have your period, you should reschedule your appointment. 
  • Someone can come with you to drive you home if you need company, but you may drive yourself.
 
During LEEP: 
  • The speculum is in the vagina during the procedure. 
  • Local anesthesia will be injected into the cervix.

After LEEP: 
  • You may have a discharge lasting the full 4 weeks. It may be thick or watery. It will most likely have an odor. Sanitary pads should be changed frequently. 
  • Showers and/or tub baths can be taken. The discharge may be clear, tan, milky, pink, or light red. If the discharge is heavy and red like a period, call the office. 
  • Do not use tampons or have intercourse for 2-4 weeks unless otherwise instructed.
  • Please do not take aspirin for 1 week prior to your appointment and 48 hours after your procedure.
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"Welcoming waiting room, great front desk staff, and never a long wait. Annemarie Dixe was kind, professional, and so helpful. Now that I've moved away from the area, I haven't been able to find an OB-GYN practice as good as this one."

V. L, Alexandria, VA
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