It depends on your individual circumstances. If the LEEP procedure successfully removed any areas of visible abnormal cells, then you should no longer be contagious nor have active HPV. However, lesions caused by HPV can often reappear and some HPV types will remain in a dormant stage in the body, never fully clearing up or receding.
As such, it is possible to still have HPV after a LEEP. To be sure that the infection has been cleared, you should follow up with your healthcare provider for regular check-ups and screenings, including HPV tests, to ensure it has been successfully eradicated.
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How long after LEEP does HPV go away?
The answer to how long after LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure) does HPV go away depends on the severity of your infection and how it responds to the treatment. Typically, HPV disappears within 12 months after a LEEP procedure, but this timeframe can vary, depending on the person.
There have been cases where the viral load has disappeared within six weeks following the procedure and some cases where it took longer than 12 months. If, after 12 months, the HPV infection still remains, it is recommended to consult with a doctor to find out why the infection has not yet been eradicated.
It is possible that more treatments, such as additional LEEP procedures, might be necessary. Additionally, if you were to contract HPV again after the LEEP procedure, it is highly recommended to get re-tested and find out the cause of the new infection.
What are the chances of HPV returning after LEEP?
The chances of HPV returning after a LEEP (loop electrosurgical excision procedure) procedure vary depending on the individual case and the risk factors associated with the patient. There are certain risk factors that can increase the chances of the HPV returning after a LEEP procedure, such as smoking, HPV type, and the amount of tissue that was removed.
Additionally, the risk of HPV returning may increase if the patient is not following a recommended post-procedure regimen, including refraining from smoking and avoiding sexual contact or douching.
Overall, the chances of HPV returning are generally low after LEEP. Studies suggest that the risk of HPV returning is significantly lower when compared to other treatments such as cryotherapy. Most HPV infections respond well to treatments and do not return once the virus has been cleared.
However, it is important to talk to your doctor to ensure the best course of treatment, as well as to understand the risks associated with any HPV-related procedures.
Can my partner reinfect me with HPV after LEEP procedure?
Once someone has had a LEEP procedure, it is generally not possible for them to be reinfected with HPV. While it is true that having a weakened immune system, or coming in contact with someone with a strain of the virus, can increase the risk for reinfection, it is extremely rare.
A LEEP procedure works by removing the infected or potentially precancerous tissue, and if successful, no virus particles are left in the body that could be reactivated. In addition, as the virus is typically passed on through sexual contact, adopting safe sexual practices can help to further prevent any chance of reinfection.
Keep in mind that while the LEEP procedure can remove visible signs of HPV, the virus may still be present in the body, so it is still important to practice safe sex and seek regular health checkups.
Can you get cervical cancer after LEEP?
Yes, it is possible to get cervical cancer after having a LEEP procedure. While it is possible, it is not likely. A LEEP (loop electrosurgical excision procedure) is a type of surgery used to remove abnormal cervical tissue.
The goal of the procedure is to remove enough cervical tissue that the risk of cervical cancer is greatly reduced. While it does not guarantee that cervical cancer will not develop, the procedure has been shown to reduce the risk of cervical cancer significantly.
However, it is important to note that even after a LEEP procedure, regular Pap smears are still recommended in order to detect and prevent potential cervical cancer. The procedure is considered to be effective in most cases, but it is important to maintain routine monitoring of your cervical health in order to reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer.
Do precancerous cells come back after LEEP?
It is possible for precancerous cells to come back after a LEEP or Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure. The LEEP procedure is considered a highly effective treatment to remove cells that display signs of precancerous activity; however, it is not a cure and it’s impossible to completely know the status of the cells that weren’t removed (either due to the procedure or abilities to recognize them during a biopsy).
As a result, some pre-cancerous cells can remain and these can potentially grow over time and cause future cancer concerns.
To reduce the risk of precancerous cells returning, your doctor may recommend that you get annual follow-up screenings. Have a conversation with your doctor to understand your risk and create a personalized plan for follow-up care after your LEEP.
How often should you get a pap smear after LEEP?
After a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP), you should schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor. This appointment will likely include a Pap smear. To ensure that you stay healthy, it is recommended that you have a Pap smear one year after your LEEP procedure and once a year thereafter.
It is important to note that the frequency of your Pap smears may be impacted by any personal health history, such as the presence of a high-risk form of HPV or a history of cervical precancerous cells.
If you are at high risk, your doctor may recommend more frequent Pap smears. During the appointment, your doctor will review your individual health history and make a recommendation that best meets your needs.
It is also important that you discuss any symptoms or changes in your body with your doctor. Even if you are getting regular Pap smears, if you notice any unusual symptom, such as irregular bleeding or discharge, it is important to tell your doctor.
Additionally, if you experience any changes in the way your body feels or functions, it is important to report that to your doctor too. Open communication with your doctor is essential to ensure you get the best possible care.
What percentage of LEEP procedure shows cancer?
The exact percentage of LEEP procedure that shows cancer depends on the stage of the patient’s cancer as well as the type of cancer. The research is scarce and there are a range of percentages quoted, however it is estimated that between 72% and 82% of LEEP procedures indicate a cancer diagnosis.
This procedure is typically used to treat pre-cancerous cells on the cervix, so the chances of a more serious diagnosis are increased. When used to evaluate a previously identified abnormal Pap test result, it is estimated that between 75% and 100% of the time the cancer diagnosis is confirmed with a LEEP procedure.
Ultimately, the percentage of LEEP procedures that result in a cancer diagnosis varies depending on the patient’s situation and should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
What happens if you still have abnormal cells after LEEP?
If you still have abnormal cells after a LEEP procedure, your doctor may recommend a further course of action. Depending on the extent of the abnormal cells, further procedures such as laser surgery, cone biopsy, or hysteroscopy may be necessary.
After the abnormal cells have been removed, a follow-up visit with your doctor is important to monitor if any abnormal cells remain. If the abnormal cells are severe, your doctor may recommend further tests and treatments to eliminate the abnormal cells.
Your doctor may also suggest hormonal therapy or chemotherapy to treat any underlying conditions that could be causing the abnormal cells. It’s important to note that if your doctor does suggest a further course of action, it is important to follow the advice in order to prevent any further health complications.
Does LEEP prevent cancer?
LEEP, or loop electrosurgical excision procedure, is a popular treatment for precancerous lesions caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Though it does offer excellent rates of success in eliminating all of the abnormal cells that could lead to cancer, it is not a guarantee that no cancer will develop.
In some cases, the abnormal cells can return after the procedure. This is why it is important to have regular follow up appointments and routine testing to monitor for abnormal cells.
The best way to prevent cancer after a LEEP procedure is to ensure an accurate diagnosis is made, the full extent of the abnormal cell growth is removed, and lifestyle modifications are made to reduce the risk of HPV-related cancers.
This includes avoiding smoking, limiting exposure to sunlight, wearing condoms when engaging in sexual activity (to reduce the chance of HPV infection), maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly.
With proper preventative care, continuing to take steps to reduce the risk of HPV infection, and following up regularly with a healthcare provider, the chances of developing cancer after a LEEP procedure are greatly reduced.
What are the long term side effects of LEEP procedure?
The long term side effects of having a LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure) procedure are typically mild and uncommon. Some side effects may include vaginal discharge, mild and infrequent cramps, spotting, and slight bleeding.
You may also have problems with abnormal Pap test results, or become more susceptible to pelvic infections such as bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. In rare instances, a woman could suffer from scar tissue, damage to the cervix, narrowing of the cervix (stenosis), and an increased risk of preterm labor and miscarriage.
It is important to follow up with your doctor to ensure there are no further complications. Long term side effects are more likely when the procedure is done for more severe pre-cancerous conditions.
Can a couple with HPV reinfect each other?
Yes, it is possible for a couple with HPV to reinfect each other. Even if one partner has been exposed to the HPV virus and has been treated, the virus may still be present in the other partner, causing recurrent infection.
Additionally, even if one partner has been tested and shows no signs of HPV, they may still become infected if the other partner has the virus. It is important for both partners to get tested for HPV and practice safe sex to reduce the risk of transmission.
Taking HPV vaccines can also reduce the risk of infection and reinfection. If the couple is sexually active, they should also be aware of other STDs and use protection to avoid transmitting them.
Can partners keep passing HPV back and forth?
Yes, partners can keep passing HPV back and forth. HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, and it can be contagious even when there are no obvious symptoms. Because HPV often has no symptoms, and can linger in the body for months or even years before appearing, it can be passed back and forth between partners without either partner knowing they have the virus.
Condoms and dental dams reduce but do not eliminate the risk of HPV transmission. The only way to avoid HPV infection is to abstain from sexual activity. Vaccines are available to help protect against the strains of HPV that can cause cancer, however, it is important to note that even if you have been vaccinated, you can still contract HPV from a partner.
Therefore, it is important for partners to discuss HPV and to get tested for it regularly.
Can you get HPV multiple times from the same partner?
Yes, you can get HPV multiple times from the same partner. This is because there are multiple strains of HPV and a person can be infected with more than one strain at the same time. Furthermore, even if both partners have been infected with the same strain of HPV, the virus can still be passed back and forth.
This is because the virus can lay dormant in the body and can become active again after a period of time. Therefore, it is important for both partners to get regularly tested for HPV to ensure they remain healthy.
Additionally, people who are sexually active should consider getting the HPV vaccine, which can protect against some of the most common strains of HPV.
Can HPV happen twice?
Yes, it is possible to get HPV twice. The virus has many different types that can cause various types of lesions and remain in the body for a long time. The virus can lay dormant for many years and can be reactivated.
This means that even if a person has already had HPV, they can potentially be infected with a different strain of the virus. Sexually active individuals should get tested regularly if they are at risk of HPV infection, and take preventative measures, such as using protection, to reduce their risk.
A person’s immune system can also play a role in protecting against HPV by helping fight off the virus if exposed. Vaccination is also recommended to prevent HPV.
