Psychosexual Health After Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) among women with Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia in North Indian tertiary Centre: A Prospective Observational Study

Abstract

Abstract PURPOSE- Cervical cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) is a valuable diagnostic and therapeutic tool for Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia Grade 2 or 3 (collectively referred to as CIN2+) lesions on outpatient visits. However, removing a part of the cervix during the procedure might affect a woman’s perception of sexual function This study was planned to assess the effect of LEEP on overall sexual satisfaction and other specific aspects of sexual function in women who are subjected to LEEP as a part of cervical dysplasia management. METHODS- All patients attending OPD at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, India, between October 2020 to March 2021, diagnosed with CIN 2 and CIN 3 lesions and planned for LEEP; were enrolled in our study after taking consent. Women were interviewed regarding their sexual function before the LEEP procedure and after six months while on follow-up with self- structured pre- and post-procedural sexual function questionnaire. RESULTS- 61 sexually active women who underwent LEEP for high-grade CIN2+ lesions were enrolled in the present study. There was significant improvement in pain during vaginal penetration, post coital bleeding, level of anxiety related to sexual life, and overall sexual satisfaction post LEEP procedure. CONCLUSION- The present study concluded that LEEP poses no long-term effect on women's sexuality, with a reduction in dyspareunia and postcoital bleeding, along with improvement in overall sexual function, although small but statistically significant.