Abnormal Pap Follow-Ups (LEEP, Colposcopy)

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What’s Next After an Abnormal Pap? Understanding Colposcopy and LEEP at Columbus Regional

Getting the news that your Pap smear came back abnormal can be unsettling—but it’s also the first step in protecting your long-term health. In most cases, an abnormal result doesn’t mean cancer—but it does mean your care team wants to take a closer look.

At Columbus Regional Healthcare System, our OB/GYN specialists offer expert follow-up care after abnormal Pap smears, including colposcopy, biopsies, and LEEP procedures. Our goal is to ensure you receive the right care at the right time—with clear communication and compassionate support throughout.

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What Does an Abnormal Pap Smear Mean?

A Pap smear is a screening tool used to detect abnormal cells on the cervix, often caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Many of these changes are mild and clear up on their own—but some may require closer observation or treatment to prevent them from becoming cervical cancer.

Types of abnormalities might include:

• ASC-US (Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance)
• LSIL/HSIL (Low- or High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions)
• AGC (Atypical Glandular Cells)

Your provider will determine the next steps based on your age, medical history, and specific Pap result.

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Step 1: Colposcopy

If further evaluation is needed, the next step is often a colposcopy—a procedure that allows your provider to take a closer look at the cervix using a special magnifying instrument.

What to Expect:

• It’s done right in the office and typically takes 15–20 minutes
• You’ll lie on an exam table, just like during a Pap smear
• A solution is applied to the cervix to highlight abnormal cells
• If needed, a small biopsy may be taken for lab testing
• You may experience light spotting or mild cramping afterward

Colposcopy is a safe, low-risk procedure that helps identify whether abnormal cells need to be treated—or simply monitored.

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Step 2: LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure)

If high-grade or persistent abnormal cells are found, your provider may recommend LEEP, a treatment that removes those cells before they become cancerous.

What to Expect:

• LEEP is performed in-office under local anesthesia
• A thin wire loop, powered by electric current, removes abnormal tissue
• The procedure takes about 10–15 minutes
• You may have mild cramping, discharge, or spotting for a few days
• Most patients return to normal activities within a day or two

LEEP is both diagnostic and therapeutic—it removes abnormal cells and allows your provider to confirm the findings in the lab.

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Follow-Up Is Essential

After colposcopy or LEEP, you’ll return for follow-up Pap or HPV testing—usually within 6–12 months. Most patients go on to have normal future results and need only routine screening again.

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Why Trust Columbus Regional for Pap Follow-Up Care?

• Board-certified OB/GYN providers with expertise in cervical health
• In-office procedures with minimal discomfort and downtime
• Clear, timely communication every step of the way
• Supportive, respectful care in a private, comfortable setting
• Personalized monitoring and guidance based on your unique health needs

We know these procedures can cause anxiety, and we’re here to answer your questions, calm your concerns, and provide expert care from start to finish.

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Take Charge of Your Cervical Health

An abnormal Pap result isn’t a diagnosis—it’s an opportunity. With early detection and follow-up, cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers.

If you’ve had an abnormal Pap smear or need cervical follow-up care, contact the OB/GYN team at Columbus Regional Healthcare System to schedule a consultation. We’ll walk you through the process and ensure you feel supported every step of the way.