How long does loop excision of the cervix take to work for cervical dysplasia?

Loop excision, also called LLETZ in some settings, uses a thin heated wire to remove abnormal cells from the cervix. It is not a treatment that gradually dissolves dysplasia; the removed tissue is examined to check the changes and the edges of the treated area. Light bleeding, watery discharge and period-like cramps can occur while the cervix repairs itself. The follow-up plan depends on the laboratory result, the grade and extent of the cell changes, and your previous screening history. A later cervical sample or examination is used to check healing and whether abnormal cells remain or have returned. Until your clinician says the cervix has healed, follow their advice about vaginal sex, tampons and swimming.

Use pads rather than tampons if advised, and keep the area clean without douching. Avoid vaginal sex, swimming and strenuous activity for the period recommended by your clinician. Attend the follow-up test even if bleeding stops and you feel well. Ask when you can resume usual activities, how to manage cramps and whether pregnancy planning needs a discussion. Keep a note of bleeding amount, discharge, pain and temperature so you can describe changes accurately.

Seek urgent medical help for heavy bleeding that soaks pads quickly, severe or increasing pelvic pain, fever, feeling faint, or discharge with a strong unpleasant smell. Contact the clinic if bleeding becomes heavier after it had started to settle or if you are worried about persistent watery discharge. These symptoms need assessment for bleeding or infection rather than waiting for the next screening appointment.

When will the tissue result be ready, and how will it affect my follow-up? When should I have the follow-up cervical test or examination? How long should I avoid sex, tampons, swimming and strenuous exercise? Could this procedure affect a future pregnancy or need extra monitoring?