What is a LEEP?
A LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure) is used to cut away cervical tissue for examination or removal.
For more information on LEEP, read this article.
What is a colposcopy or cervical biopsy?
A colposcopy is a special way of looking at your cervix by using a lighted, low-powered microscope. At the start of the process, a speculum is placed in the vagina to visualize the cervix. The microscope is used to make the cervix appear larger and allows your healthcare provider to find and then take a sample of biopsy of any abnormal areas.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a common disorder that affects women of reproductive age. It occurs when normal endometrial tissue (the lining of the uterus) grows outside the uterus. This misplaced tissue may implant itself and grow anywhere within the abdominal cavity. The disease is highly unpredictable. Some women may have just a few isolated implants that never spread or grow, while in others the disease may spread throughout the pelvis.
What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
Progressively increasing menstrual cramping may be a symptom of endometriosis. These are caused by contractions of uterine muscle initiated by prostaglandins released from the endometrial tissue. A puzzling feature of endometriosis is that the degree of pain it causes is not related to the extent of the disease. Some women with extensive disease feel no pain at all.