LLETZ

[Stargazer86]

I've recently found out that I need a LLETZ surgery for CIN2. I've fallen down a bit of a Google hole and found myself reading some real horror stories. Has anyone else had this? How did you find it? Did it have any impact on your fertility or were you told you had to wait a certain time before TTC afterwards?

Following with interest as I'm sure to have this in Monday!

I had it a few years ago. It was fine. Local anaesthetic so didn't feel anything. Weird and undignified but no more so than a smear or internal exam. Felt a bit sorry for myself but no physical ill effects.

You're meant to refrain from sex for 6 weeks afterwards so you probably don't want to TTC same evening.

I had cin3 and had it done 17years ago. Now got 2 children.

I had it a few years ago and it was absolutely fine. Mine was to treat cin3. Just like a smear test that takes a little longer. I’m now pregnant so hasn’t affected my fertility although I did need a extra scan to check cervical length (all fine so no follow up needed). I think it’s if you need several rounds of treatment it can affect pregnancy but they are very good with monitoring.
Good luck!

Had it done in 2017, and had a baby 2021. Like you I read loads before it and was expecting a lot of pain and bleeding etc, but it was nowhere near as bad as I expected. Bled lightly for maybe a week, very little (if any) pain. As pp said, no sex for a number of weeks to avoid risk of infection. I had to have one of my follow up appointments while pregnant and they just told me to make sure I mentioned the procedure at the maternity unit so they could keep an eye on cervix length but it caused zero issues for me.

Less pain than having a tooth out! I bled for a couple of days, mild period like cramps. Went on to have DS

I had my LLETZ procedure at the same time as the initial colposcopy. The initial referral said mild changes had been identified but it turned out to be CIN3. I hadn’t been expecting to need any treatment so felt a little bit emotional afterwards. Physically I felt fine- just a few mild cramps (which ibuprofen sorted) and had a lazy afternoon. I was back to normal the following day! Make sure you have pads as you can’t use tampons for 6 weeks.

In terms of the procedure itself, the thought of it was the worst bit- it didn’t hurt at all and was fairly quick.

I know of a few people who’ve had the procedure (one person more than once!) and have had happy and healthy pregnancies since. I think they just had some extra monitoring as a precaution.

Try the Jo’s Trust website- there’s a forum on there, which I found really helpful.

Let us know how you get on

Thanks all for your messages. I know about refraining from sex for 4 weeks afterwards, I was just wondering about after that. I've heard a few people say you need to wait 6 months before TTC? It's an area we struggle with so wanted to start TTC for number 2 ASAP ideally!

I had LLETZ five weeks ago. Took four weeks for me to feel normal again and finally be able to stop wearing sanitary towels. But it does differ person to person.
On the TTC I’m not sure. However I think jos trust forum has a section dedicated to treatment for cell changes and someone more knowledgeable may be able to help you on there or even just have a look at threads already up.

forum.jostrust.org.uk/t/pregnant-after-2-lletz/52118/3

I've had 2. Can't speak on the fertility issue, but the procedure itself is okay. I had a bad experience the first time (the anaesthetic failed) but that is very very rare. Second time was fine, a bit crampy. I made sure I had someone to drive me home, and took the next day off. The bleeding was not as heavy as a period, but included weird black specks (apparently the burnt bits coming out! ) None of the weird burnt smells I'd read about online though.
Probably a good idea to wait for your results before TTC..? LLETZ is very effective but it's not uncommon to need a second treatment if they don't manage to remove all the cells they want to get rid of. I wouldn't want to have a treatment like that in early pg...

I had it done and was fine, and had a further pregnancy.
I didn't even know that was what had been done until a consultant for a later gynaecological op was reading my notes and told me

I had Lletz done 14 years ago - went on to have 2 children - no issues conceiving at all. It was uncomfortable after the procedure for 48 hours but I enjoyed watching it on the screen 🤣

@mummy2boys53 how uncomfortable was it? Just trying to work out how much I'll be able to do in the couple of days after the procedure and if I'll need help with my little one!

Well I was naive and went for the appointment in my lunch break which was a silly mistake. I had bleeding and strong period like pains for about 24 hours and was totally knackered!! After that was fine from what I remember. I would just say make sure you take it easy afterwards but you can carry on as normal. X