The average time to wait before having sex after LEEP is about four to six weeks. How long you wait depends on how much of your cervical tissue is removed. Generally speaking, the more abnormal the cervical tissue, the more time it will take the cervix to heal fully.
Read on to learn more about LEEP, recovery from LEEP, and when it’s OK to resume sexual activity.
What Is a LEEP?
A LEEP helps diagnose and treat abnormal or cancerous conditions in the cervix. A thin wire loop is used during the procedure to remove abnormal cells from your cervix for further testing.
The purpose of a LEEP is to prevent cervical cancer. The procedure is typically done after less invasive procedures, including Pap testing or colposcopy.
If abnormal tissue is found during Pap testing or colposcopy, LEEP may be done to examine and treat the abnormal cell growth. Colposcopy is a noninvasive procedure using a microscope-like device to view your cervix.
Sex After a LEEP
Most people are advised to refrain from having sex for about four to six weeks after the LEEP. Having sex before your cervix heals can increase your risk of infection.
In addition to not having sex, your healthcare provider may instruct you not to douche or use tampons after the procedure. You also need to avoid swimming or soaking in a bathtub until your healthcare provider says it’s OK.
Even if you feel fine and believe your cervix is fully healed, you should follow your healthcare provider’s guidance about when it will be safe to start having sex again.
Abnormally heavy bleeding (heavier than your menstrual flow)Bleeding with clotsFoul-smelling vaginal dischargeFever over 100. 4 FAbdominal pain
Potential Risks
Most people have mild or no complications after LEEP. However, the removal of cervical tissue in LEEP can weaken your cervix, and this can cause several pregnancy complications.
There was an error. Please try again.
Miscarriage: One study has shown that among people who have previously had a LEEP, miscarriages were reported at a rate of about 18% in pregnancies that occurred less than 12 months after the procedure. Preterm delivery: Another study found that people with previous LEEPs had a 7. 2% rate of preterm deliveries, whereas the control population had a 4. 6% rate of preterm deliveries. The risk of preterm delivery increases in people who have had repeat LEEPs.
Some people have reported discomfort during sex after a LEEP, including vaginal pain, dryness, and a feeling of painful pressure on the cervix. Foreplay and heightened sexual arousal may aid naturally occurring vaginal lubrication and help relieve discomfort.
Cervical stenosis: The vaginal pain and cervical pressure may be due to the narrowing of your cervix after the procedure; this should improve with time as you continue having sex. Vaginal dryness: The dryness often goes away with time. In the meantime, vaginal lubricants can help. Ensure your healthcare provider says it’s safe to use these products before you use them.
Summary
The standard wait time is four to six weeks after LEEP, but it’s best to confirm this with your healthcare provider. Having sex too soon after LEEP can cause serious complications, including infection. Getting pregnant too soon after the procedure may also increase your risk of complications during pregnancy.
A Word From Verywell
An important aspect of resuming sexual activity when it is safe to do so after LEEP is your readiness. Even if you are physically healed and ready, if you’re not emotionally ready, that’s OK. You’ve had a medical procedure, and it’s OK to take some time to regroup. Talk with your partner about ways to express intimacy that may not involve vaginal penetration.
