Procedure prep
Fasting Before LEEP / Colposcopy
A colposcopy is a close-up look at your cervix, and a LEEP (also called LLETZ) removes a small area of abnormal cells using a thin heated wire loop. Both are quick, common day-case procedures, and most women go home the same day.
Fasting for this procedure
→ Get your exact fasting times with the calculator
Medicines to check
- Blood thinners (aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto) — these raise bleeding risk; see medications to stop.
- Anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen, naproxen) & herbal supplements (fish oil, vitamin E) — these can increase bleeding, so ask whether to pause them; acetaminophen/paracetamol is usually fine.
- Diabetes medicines & insulin — they need a plan if you're fasting for sedation or a general anesthetic. See diabetes tablets.
- Blood pressure medicines — confirm which to take with a sip of water.
- Iron tablets — keep taking unless told otherwise, and mention any other supplements you use.
When this surgery may be delayed
- A positive or unknown pregnancy test — a LEEP is usually delayed until after pregnancy
- A heavy period on the day, which can make the cervix hard to see and treat
- An active pelvic or vaginal infection that needs treating first
- Fever, a new cough/cold, or a chest infection (matters most if you're having sedation or a general anesthetic)
- Vomiting or diarrhea before a sedation or general anesthetic appointment
Reports & documents to carry
- Photo ID and your insurance or hospital paperwork
- A list of your current medicines, doses, and allergies
- Any referral letter and your abnormal smear/Pap or HPV results
- A sanitary pad to wear afterward, as some bleeding or discharge is normal
- A ride home and an escort if you're having sedation or a general anesthetic
What to ask your anesthesia team
- Will my LEEP be under local anesthetic, or sedation/general — and do I need to fast?
- Which of my regular medicines should I stop, and when?
- Can I eat and drink normally straight after, and when can I drive?
- How much bleeding or discharge is normal, and when should I call you?
- How long until I get my results, and what activities should I avoid while I heal?
Your prep checklist
Tick things off as you sort them — saved on this device only, nothing is sent anywhere.
A general guide — your hospital's own instructions always come first.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before a colposcopy or LEEP?
For a colposcopy, no — it's just an examination, so eat and drink as usual. A LEEP is most often done under local anesthetic, which also usually means no fasting. The exception is if you're booked for sedation or a general anesthetic, when standard 8/6/2 fasting applies — so always confirm your anesthetic type with your team.
Will it hurt, and what will I feel afterward?
With local anesthetic you may feel a brief sting as it's given, then mostly pressure and some cramping during the treatment, similar to period pains. Afterward it's normal to have light bleeding and a watery or brownish discharge for a few weeks as the cervix heals. Acetaminophen/paracetamol usually helps; contact your team if bleeding becomes heavy, smells offensive, or you develop a fever.
Can I go to work and exercise the same day?
After a colposcopy or a local-anesthetic LEEP, many women return to normal activities the same or next day. If you had sedation or a general anesthetic, take the rest of the day off and have someone drive you home. Your team will usually advise avoiding tampons, sex, and swimming for a few weeks to let the area heal — follow their specific advice.
Can I have this during my period?
Light bleeding is usually fine, but a heavy period can make it harder to see and treat the cervix, so appointments are sometimes rescheduled. If your period is due around your appointment, call ahead and ask your team whether to keep or move it.