Sex After LEEP?

Question: Sex After LEEP?

Answer: The average time to wait before having sex after a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) procedure is about four to six weeks. It may be more or less depending on how much cervical tissue needed to be removed. The more abnormal the cervical tissue, the more time the cervix needs to properly heal.

You should call your doctor to see how long it is recommended you wait. He or she may want you to abstain from intercourse at least until your follow-up exam or longer, which is normally two to four weeks after the LEEP.

Even though you feel fine, having sex before your cervix has healed greatly increases your risk of infection. Infection is rare if you follow your doctor's recommendations, which most likely include:

• no sex or vaginal penetration for a set period of time
• no tub baths for a set period of time (usually three days or so)
• avoiding whirlpools and jacuzzis
• using sanitary napkins (pads) instead of tampons

_Sources:

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. "Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure". ACOD Education Pamphlet, 2008.
http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp110.cfm