Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) for Genital Warts

Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) for Genital Warts

British Columbia Specific Information

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). HPV is transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact and can cause a variety of cancers as well as genital warts. HPV can cause genital warts and cancers of the anus, cervix, mouth and throat, penis, vagina and vulva.

The HPV vaccines protect against infection from certain types of HPV. The HPV vaccine is a cancer-preventing vaccine that can benefit you, no matter your sex, gender, or sexual orientation, or sexual activity status. The HPV vaccine is part of the recommended vaccination schedule for all youth in British Columbia. Males born in 2005 or later and females can get the vaccine for free as long as they get their first dose before they turn 19 and their last dose before they turn 26. 

For more information about the HPV vaccine, visit:

To learn more about HPV infection, read HealthLinkBC File #101a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection and Genital Warts. For more information on STIs, sexual health information, where to get tested and other sexual health services in your area, visit Sexually Transmitted Infections.

Surgery Overview

The loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) uses a thin, low-voltage electrified wire loop to remove genital warts by heating the margin of the area to be removed, which separates the wart from the skin.

LEEP is done in a doctor's office, clinic, or hospital on an outpatient basis. A local anesthetic is injected to numb the area.

What To Expect

Recovery time depends on the location and number of warts removed. Most people can return to normal activities within 1 to 3 days after LEEP.

Avoid sexual intercourse until the treated area heals and the soreness is gone. (This usually takes 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the size of the area treated.)

Why It Is Done

LEEP may be used to treat large, external warts and warts on the cervix.

How Well It Works

  • LEEP may be as effective as other surgeries to remove warts, but scarring may occur.
  • During LEEP, only a small amount of normal tissue is removed at the edges of the wart tissue.

Risks

Bleeding is the most common side effect. But typically LEEP causes less blood loss than laser treatment.

Scarring of the penis is a possible side effect that can result in problems with urination or erection.

Infection does not occur often and can be treated with antibiotics.

Credits

Current as of: August 2, 2022

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Sarah Marshall MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin C. Kiley MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology