How it Works

Yes, a LEEP procedure is safe. It is a minimally invasive procedure performed by clinics across the world and is a very useful tool for assessing our patients’ cervical health.

Our physicians perform this procedure at both the Olathe and Shawnee Mission clinics. The procedure will typically take about 10 to 15 minutes.

Whether or not insurance covers your LEEP procedure will depend on your carrier; your exact insurance plan and deductible; and potentially, your medical history. Sometimes, insurance companies do not 100% cover the cost of LEEP procedures in Kansas City. If you are concerned about the cost of your LEEP procedure, first contact your insurance provider to determine your coverage for this treatment. From there, you can contact our office for more information.

While some patients are able to return to normal activities one day after their procedure, we recommend giving yourself up to a 48-hour rest period to account for cramping (similar to menstrual cramps). We do not recommend having intercourse for up to 4 weeks after a LEEP procedure.

You may notice cramping, bleeding, or discharge for up to 14 days after your LEEP procedure in Kansas City. Your WCJC provider will walk you through post-operative instructions before and again after the procedure to ensure you feel confident and informed about what to expect in the following hours and days.

Because we administer a numbing agent to your cervix before beginning your procedure, the vast majority of our clients do not experience any pain or discomfort during their LEEP procedure at WCJC.

• You may experience cramping similar to menstrual cramps for 48 hours after the procedure.
• You may take “over the counter” pain relievers that do not contain aspirin, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Motrin® or Advil®). Do not exceed the daily recommended dose.
• Your doctor may have prescribed a narcotic pain medication to use as well.

Note: If the pain is not relieved by pain medication, becomes worse, or you have difficulty breathing, call our office.

• You may return to your normal activity one day after surgery. Most patients are able to return to work one day after surgery.
• Do not have intercourse or use tampons for four weeks after surgery. Use sanitary napkins only.
• You may shower the day after surgery. Do not soak in a bathtub or swim for four weeks.

• You can expect vaginal bleeding like a period, spotting, brown discharge, or watery discharge for up to three weeks after surgery.
• Some increase in bleeding may occur at 10 to 14 days. This is when the “scab” may fall off of the cervix.
• Your doctor likely used a medicine during the procedure that will cause a brown or black discharge for the first few days after the procedure. This discharge may stain clothing.

Note: If you have heavy, bright red vaginal bleeding soaking one pad or more per hour, call our office.

• Avoid placing anything in the vagina for four weeks (i.e. tampons, douching and sexual intercourse).

Call your WCJC Officer if you are experiencing…

• A fever higher than 100.4º F
• Increasing pain not controlled by pain medication
• Inability to eat or drink without vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Inability to empty your bladder
• Redness and tenderness at the incision site, or a large amount of drainage
• Heavy, bright red vaginal bleeding, or foul smelling discharge. You can expect to have a small amount of reddish-brown colored discharge for up to six weeks. Do not be alarmed by this.

If you feel you need to be seen urgently, please go to the Emergency Department where your surgery was performed so that our physicians may care for you.

Any questions regarding your surgery or post-operative recovery should be directed to the staff at the Women’s Clinic of Johnson County rather than your Primary Care Physician.