Before undergoing a LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure) in 2010, Chloe (name changed) led a fulfilling sex life and found it easy to reach orgasm. However, things changed dramatically following what is commonly seen as a minor gynecological procedure aimed at removing abnormal cells from the cervix.
“I felt completely numb,” Chloe recounted in an interview with a health magazine. The LEEP procedure is typically performed as an outpatient treatment with minimal expected side effects and is credited with significantly reducing cervical cancer rates in recent decades, alongside HPV vaccinations and early detection methods.
Yet, for many women like Chloe, the aftermath of the procedure can be nothing short of traumatic. Reports of persistent numbness, vaginal or pelvic pain, and difficulty achieving orgasm have surfaced, leading to a distressing reality for those affected. Chloe specifically noted a stark change in her sensations: “There was some feeling in my clitoral area, but just as I reached the peak, it vanished completely.”
The alarming nature of Chloe’s experience is echoed by numerous others. A Facebook group for LEEP survivors has emerged, boasting over 3,000 members who share similar struggles, with many posting daily about their experiences. Unfortunately, these women often find their concerns dismissed by healthcare providers, who frequently downplay their symptoms.
As highlighted in an article by VICE, LEEP is widely viewed as a routine and life-saving intervention, resulting in skepticism regarding the sexual side effects reported by a minority of women. There is a lack of substantial research on this issue, leaving many women’s testimonies largely anecdotal.
“The procedure was described as straightforward with minimal risks, so the sexual side effects came as a shock to many,” states a researcher who explored these issues. When they voiced their concerns about loss of libido, pain during intercourse, or the inability to orgasm, they were often told by their doctors that these issues could not possibly be related to the LEEP procedure.
This is devastating. Experiencing such profound changes is difficult enough, but to feel unheard and invalidated only intensifies the trauma.
However, there may be some hope for affected women. A 2004 study by neuroscientist Barry Komisaruk revealed that in some cases, doctors may inadvertently cut too deeply into the cervix during the LEEP procedure, damaging crucial nerve endings that connect the genitals to the brain. This could lead to a numbness that affects the entire genital area.
“There is no established protocol for how deep to cut,” Dr. Irwin Goldstein commented, emphasizing the significance of understanding the anatomical structures involved. Educating practitioners to perform LEEP with greater care could potentially minimize these adverse sexual side effects.
While LEEP procedures are essential for women’s health, the focus must shift to ensuring their safety. Women’s sexual health is a critical aspect of overall well-being and mental health. The troubling notion that women’s reports of feeling “broken” post-procedure are largely disregarded by the medical community is unacceptable. If men faced similar complications from a routine procedure, the response would be swift and well-funded. Women deserve the same level of attention and respect.
Let’s hope for immediate action to improve the safety of this procedure so women can regain their sexual health and well-being.
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Summary:
The LEEP procedure, while often seen as a routine and life-saving treatment for cervical abnormalities, has left some women, like Chloe, with distressing sexual side effects, including the inability to orgasm. A growing community of LEEP survivors shares similar experiences, often feeling dismissed by healthcare professionals. The need for better education and research regarding the procedure’s potential impacts on sexual health is urgent, as women’s well-being deserves equal attention.