Pregnancy after LLETZ

[SLMxx]

Hi, I had a LLETZ done in 2019 to remove some CIN3 cells (unsure on how much was removed) but it was done under local anesthetic.

I mentioned this in my first midwife app and she said I have been referred to have a cervical scan when I reach 20 weeks pregnant.

I wrote on another forum somewhere the same thing and many women had replied to say they had to have a cervical stitch/progesterone tablets etc and were told they weren't allowed to have sex.

I am currently 12+4 and worried now to have sex between now and my 20 week cervical scan incase I do something wrong.

Does anyone have any successful stories with this? Does everyone end up with a short cervix after having this procedure? It was 4 years ago so I am hoping this is not the same case as these other women but any reassurance will help.

The midwife said she hadn't heard of telling people they cannot have sex and has been a midwife for 25 years, however 'said forum' said midwifes are not very clued up about this, which adds to the worry.

Thanks x

I had a lletz a year ago and am currently 15 weeks pregnant. Have been having sex as normal, no problems. Midwife referred me to have cervix scan as standard protocol. Had first one yesterday and all fine. My trust is extra vigilant and will still do 2 more scans. The consultant said it’s very very rarely something to worry about and they do the scans to make sure they catch it early and stitch before there were any risks. Based on this I’d think you’re fine having sex - especially if you haven’t had bleeding.

I also had a lletz last year for CIN3 and am now pregnant. I've been referred for the scan but nothing mentioned about sex.

I was told by the gynaecologist who did all 3 of my treatments that one or two treatments are ok and shouldn't need to be worried about (depending how much was removed) but due to having 3 lots I would need weekly measurements of my cervix.
I believe the no sex is later in pregnancy & due to the risk of late miscarriage. Can you contact the gynaecologist who did the procedure to ask their advice? The midwife I saw with my last pregnancy (ended in MC at 12 weeks) was really good when I mentioned it to her.

I’m on my second pregnancy after lletz. My first I had a scan at 16,21 and 24 weeks. It was absolutely fine each time. She was born 40+2. Pregnant again now and had my first scan last week at 16 weeks and all looks fine. Will have another at 22 weeks and as long as no change they are happy to sign me off. No sex has ever been mentioned. I believe that is only advised if you have to have the stitch put in.

I know of several people that have had to go for scans due to lletz treatment but none have ever needed further treatment. So I think it’s more of a precaution just in case.

Thank you all this has been much more helpful than you will know. I actually managed to speak to one of the nurses who works in colposcopy today and she said they only took 8mm out which is below average and will only scan me at 20 weeks as that's when baby is big enough to have an impact on the cervix (if you haven't had issues before that is)

Thank you - much nicer to hear peoples positive experiences with this as it's a very scary time! :)

Sorry to jump in on this but how was the procedure itself? I’m the other way round as I’m currently pregnant but need cells removed when baby is out and I’m already worrying about what that might mean for a future pregnancy

I had lletz nine months before I fell pregnant, CIN,2 and 10mm removed. I only abstained from sex due to spotting whenever we attempted, since found out I have cervical ectropian where the scar tissue I think it is is on the outside of the cervix and easily aggravated. Had my first scan at 21 weeks and although my cervix did shorten at 24 weeks and I did have to go on progesterone and some bed rest later on, I still carried to 40+5, my most recent pregnancy which was 8 years after lletz, I was checked at 14, 16, 20 and 24 and absolutely no issues. Again I abstained from sex as still have the ectropian and didn't want to cause bleeding as I'm a R negative blood type. All fine, and DD was evicted at 39 weeks for different reasons :)

Hey jumping on this thread!

I'm 12 weeks, 4th pregnancy no children. I had LLETTZ 2014 CIN2 removed 19x17x12mm. Will be referred for scan but not sure when that will be. Maternity notes say HIGH RISK PRETERM LABOUR.

Just another added anxiety to my pregnancy 😔 xx

@Arxx I found the procedure absolutley fine from my own personal experience, I didnt feel a thing as it's done with local anaesthetic and I have no bleeding at all after, It actually felt a little bit like a smear, just went on for longer so don't worry about the procedure!

@prayingformyrainbowbaby Yeah, we are at high risk for preterm labour due to the LLETZ as the cervix can shorten as baby gets bigger and puts pressure on it I believe - I have been referred for my scan but like you I haven't had a letter through for it yet!

Everyone will have a different experience, totally depends on how much of your cervix has been removed. In my case I've had 3 quarters of it removed over 3 treatments pre pregnancy.
1st pregnancy, weekly checks and stitch placed at 21 weeks, I had a pre pregnancy stich placed before i got pregnant with my second. Went into labour at 35 weeks with first 37 weeks with my second.

The no sex thing is often advised to reduce the risk of infection.

Sorry to jump on the thread, am ttc and just wondered if any of you have had trouble conceiving since your lletz? I had one 2017

@Butterfly2000 - No I haven’t, I had my LLETZ in 2020 and I’m pregnant now, I didn’t know there were complications to conceiving only the risks of having an incompetent cervix, maybe speak to your doctor they can refer you for tests?

Thanks @SLMxx I didn't think there was but just wanted to double check. I know once I'm pregnant I may need the stitch. Congrats on your pregnancy! x

I had a LLETZ 3 years ago to remove CIN3 cells. I am now pregnant at 26+1, I had a cervical cerclage put in last week at 25+2. Had scans on my cervix at weeks 12, 16, 20 and then 25, only showed signs on an incompetent cervix at 25 weeks, nothing prior. Consultant said it carries more risk putting in the stitch so late on in the pregnancy but the risk of baby coming early was too great. I was about 1cm dilated when he put the cerclage in. All ok so far, will have a check up at 28 weeks.
Partner and I have been abstaining from sex since around week 11, we had only had sex three times in the pregnancy up until then and all had resulted in some bleeding a few hours after, one time we had to have a scan to check baby was ok. I haven't felt comfortable to since and my partner has been respectful of that. Not sure it is related to my cervix as never been advised this is the case.
They were really fast acting when they noticed the change in my cervix but it was stressful going through it so late on in the pregnancy.

@awaywiththefairies2 oh god poor you, so sorry you had to go through that! I have really pushed to be seen before 20 weeks but my hospital have said i've only had 1 LLETZ procedure and apparently the chances of it having any affect are really low, I have heard of people having it and having no problems what so ever with the cervix but it is worrying. My midwife told me to enjoy the next few weeks until my cervix scan at 20 weeks and if I feel up to it I can still have sex, haven't had any bleeding so I am guessing that's all ok, I deffo wouldn't either if I had blood! I hope your pregnancy continues to full term and this is a successful outcome for you :) x

I just thought I'd chip in with my experience. I had lletz back in 2008 (no idea how much was removed) and had my daughter in 2021. It was terrifying having a diagnosis of a short cervix, which went down to 1.1 cm at 26 weeks. But all went well in the end!

I had progesterone pessaries and was told not to overdo it but I didn't get told to avoid sex. The obstetrician at the preterm clinic that checked my cervical length guessed I'd have my daughter around 35 weeks but I had a caesarean at 37+6 (after my waters leaked without labour coming on). They said my cervix must have been short but strong. So don't despair!

I did everything I could (diet etc) to keep inflammation, stress and lifting at low levels. Whether that helped or just helped me feel I could control something, who knows, but it made me feel better at least!

Good luck with your pregnancies, wishing you all the best. Xx

Hey @SLMxx , how did you get on? In a very similar position (IVF pregnancy also) and panicking a little although everyone’s posts are quite reassuring!

Hey, my cervix was 2cm at 23 weeks and 27weeks. It was too late and risky for a stitch. I had a pessary (a hard rubber donut) inserted to try to keep my cervix closed. It had to be taken out 4 days later as it moved. I stayed on progesterone until 36 weeks.

I'm currently in hospital for induction, yesterday my cervix was closed and still had some length.

Best of luck I know it is very nervous time, I was super anxious 😬

I had 2 rounds of LLETZ and it almost scarred my cervix shut to had to have c-sections. So it can go either way.

Ive now had the baby and due to go in for a check and most likely my LLETZ in a few weeks time. I was hoping to have been able to have another baby but I had a csection and they said my womb was incredibly thin from my last csection scar and was at risk of rupturing. I now feel like between this and the risk of rupture I’m kind of doomed 🙈 Potentially the LLETZ could cause early labour (or labour at all) and because labour is the number one thing likely to cause a scar to rupture it just seems like a terrible combination of risks now 😢 A bit gutted but trying to just focus on how lucky I am to have two kids and maybe there’s a small chance my cervix won’t need any treatment in a few weeks 🤞🏻