I have finally quit smoking three days ago and that was a step I had to take to treat my HPV. I noticed this morning that it is starting to clear. I am so happy. I know I still need to go to the doctor but I am getting nervous. I was diagnosed with low risk HPV but after reading what some people have gone through I'm worried. I just need some reassurance that everything will be ok. I just want to feel normal again and I want to start being confident around guys again. I appreciate you all:)
I was told I got high risk of hpv. That's good u quit smoking I need to do the same bt I got too much stress right now. I am scared etc I gonn do a leep procedure on nov 1 and I join this support group to know its ok and things will b ok. But I do still do my research of the hpv. Still go to ur doc appt for keep an eye on the hpv! Here if u ever wanna chat
Good luck! Everything will be fine. But what is a leep procedure?
Omg really never heard a leep procedure? To me it's a scared thing but my family telling me to not to worry about it. But it's procedure
The loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) uses a thin, low-voltage electrified wire loop to cut out abnormal tissue. LEEP can:
Cut away abnormal cervical tissue that can be seen during colposcopy.
Remove abnormal tissue high in the cervical canal that cannot be seen during colposcopy. In this situation, LEEP may be done instead of a cone biopsy. (For more information, see cone biopsy.)
LEEP is also known as large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ).
A vinegar (acetic acid) or iodine solution, which makes abnormal cells more visible, may be applied to the cervix before the procedure is done.
How it is done
LEEP is usually done at your doctor's office, a clinic, or a hospital as an outpatient procedure (you do not have to spend a night in the hospital).
You will need to take off your clothes below the waist and drape a paper or cloth covering around your waist. You will then lie on your back on an exam table with your feet raised and supported by footrests (stirrups). Your doctor will insert an instrument with curved blades (speculum) into your vagina. The speculum gently spreads apart the vaginal walls, allowing the inside of the vagina and the cervix to be examined.
Medicine is injected to numb the cervix (cervical block). If a cervical block is used, an oral pain medicine or pain medicine given into a vein (intravenous, or IV) may be used in addition to the local anesthetic.
What To Expect After Surgery
Most women are able to return to normal activities within 1 to 3 days after LEEP is performed. Recovery time depends on how much was done during the procedure.
After LEEP
Mild cramping may occur for several hours after the procedure.
A dark brown vaginal discharge during the first week is normal.
Vaginal discharge or spotting may occur for about 3 weeks.
Sanitary napkins should be used instead of tampons for about 3 weeks.
Sexual intercourse should be avoided for about 3 weeks.
Douching should not be done.
When to call your doctor
Call your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:
A fever
Spotting or bleeding that lasts longer than 1 week
Bleeding that is heavier than a normal menstrual period
Increasing pelvic pain
Bad-smelling, yellowish vaginal discharge, which may point to an infection
Why It Is Done
LEEP is done after abnormal Pap test results have been confirmed by colposcopy and cervical biopsy. LEEP may be used to treat:
Minor cell changes called low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) that may be precancerous and that persist after a period of watchful waiting.
Moderate to severe cell changes that can be removed.
How Well It Works
LEEP is a very effective treatment for abnormal cervical cell changes. During LEEP, only a small amount of normal tissue is removed at the edge of the abnormal tissue area.
After LEEP, the tissue that is removed (specimen) can be examined for cancer that has grown deep into the cervical tissue (invasive cancer). In this way, LEEP can help further diagnosis as well as treat the abnormal cells.
LEEP is as effective as cryotherapy or laser treatment. If all of the abnormal cervical tissue is removed, no further surgery is needed, though abnormal cells may recur in the future. In some studies, all the abnormal cells were removed in as many as 98% of cases.1
Risks
Infection of the cervix or uterus may develop (rare).
Narrowing of the cervix (cervical stenosis) that can cause infertility may occur (rare).
After a woman has had LEEP, she has a higher risk of delivering a baby early.2
What To Think About
Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) is less expensive and easier to perform than cone biopsy or carbon dioxide laser treatment.
A biopsy is done to confirm the abnormal cervical cell changes before a LEEP procedure is done.
If you have LEEP, you need regular follow-up Pap tests. A Pap test should be repeated every 4 to 6 months or as recommended by your doctor. After several Pap test results are normal, you and your doctor can decide how often to schedule future Pap tests.
Complete the surgery information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you prepare for this surgery.
Citations
Addis IB, et al. (2007). Intraepithelial disease of the cervix, vagina, and vulva. In JS Berek, ed., Berek and Novak's Gynecology, 14th ed., pp. 561-596. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
Samson SA, et al. (2005). The effect of loop electrosurgical excision procedure on future pregnancy outcomes. Obstetrics and Gynecology, 105(2): 325-332.
By Healthwise Staff
I was diagnosed with high-risk HPV as well. You will be fine. As long as you maintain a healthy diet and positive attitude, your immune system will fight it off. I hear it is like the chicken-pox virus - it only comes around when your immune system is exceptionally weak.
Good luck to you and stay positive!
Thank you. I'm trying too
Wow well it will go fine:) let us know though!
I've been taking vitamin C to help with my immune system
Ya so how well does vitamin c do? For hpv
Since I have low risk HPV I have the genital warts. While I was taking vitamin C while I smoked, they didn't go away. Now that I quit smoking (which my doctor said I had to do to get treated) some of them have gone away! I don't really know if its also because of Vitamin C, but its good for your immune system anyways.
Uh, maybe I still quit smoking and start taking vitamin c also
Is yours low risk or high risk? It also depends on what your doctor says. I still have to go to the doctor though, I'm sure not all of it is clearing up, but its a step towards getting treated.
Yea ill ask my doc.