Follow-up after colposcopy is critical. Be sure to make and keep your appointment as directed by your health care provider. We will review the results of your biopsies and discuss options for treatment.

Call us (473-2021) if you develop:

• Fever of 100.4°F or more

• Pain that is not relieved by Tylenol, Motrin, or Advil

• Unusually heavy or bad-smelling vaginal discharge

• Heavy bleeding

LEEP

• Avoid strenuous activity for 2-3 days

• If you experience discomfort, it can be relieved by using Advil, Motrin or Tylenol (or generic equivalent)

• Minor bleeding or spotting for the few days after the procedure is normal

• Light brown discharge for up to two weeks is a normal part of the healing process.

• Do not douche, use tampons, have sexual intercourse, or use any vaginal creams or suppositories for four weeks after the procedure unless otherwise instructed by our providers

The usual Pap smear schedule after LEEP is once every three – four months for one year, then once every six months for a year. You will be advised of the Pap smear schedule determined based on your particular case. It is critically important that you follow-up as advised.

Please schedule a follow-up appointment in our office two weeks after your LEEP. Until that time, call us (473-2021) if you develop:

• Fever of 100.4°F or more

• Severe abdominal pain

• Heavy bleeding that lasts more than one week

• Bad-smelling vaginal discharge

Laparoscopy | Laparoscopic Tubal Ligation |
Laparoscopic Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy | Anterior & Posterior Repair | Exploratory Laparotomy | Abdominal Hysterectomy

• No heavy lifting (20 pounds) or strenuous exercising for 3-4 days following your procedure. Driving a car may be resumed after 3 days and you are no longer taking narcotics.

• Refrain from intercourse for 7 days. Do not douche or use vaginal cream preparations, unless directed by your health care provider. Use ONLY sanitary pads for any bleeding or discharge you may have. DO NOT use tampons.

• Take any medications as prescribed for you as directed by your health care provider. Some medications may cause drowsiness, particularly analgesics or pain killers. Do not drink alcoholic beverages, nor operate any machinery that would require your full alertness, (i.e. cars, sewing machines, bikes, etc.)

• It is not unusual to spot/bleed after your surgery. If you bleed more than your normal menstrual period, please call us.

• You will feel some discomfort/pain at the incision site. You may also experience abdominal swelling and shoulder blade pain. These symptoms are due to the gas the doctor used during your surgery to inflate your abdomen. Take your pain medications as prescribed, and change your position often. These discomforts should disappear in about 7 days.

• If you experience severe pain in the abdomen, excessive bleeding, severe cramping, or fever above 101 degrees, please call the office as soon as possible.

• You may shower after 24 hours. No tub baths until after your check-up.

• Keep the bandage/dressing dry for 24 hours. At 24 hours you may remove the bandage. Watch for signs of bleeding. Scant clear fluid from the incision is normal. Just keep the dressing dry. A slow continuous ooze or bright red blood on the dressing is a sign of bleeding. Apply direct pressure and an ice pack for 10 minutes. Watch for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, increased pain or foul odor.

• If nausea and vomiting occur, lie on your side to prevent possible choking. If nausea and vomiting persist, call the office for guidance. Progress slowly with your diet by starting with clear liquids (tea, ginger ale, broth, jello). Avoid spicy and fried foods.

• It is normal to experience light-headedness and dizziness after anesthesia for 24 hours. Have a responsible adult stay with you.

• Rest at home with moderate activity. It is not necessary to be confined to bed. Advance activity level as tolerated unless ordered by your health care provider.

• You will be given an appointment to return to our office for a follow-up visit in two weeks. Please call the office for any questions or problems at 473-2021.

Ablation | D&C with Hysteroscopy

• No strenuous exercising for 3-4 days following your procedure. Driving a car may be resumed when you feel up to it after 24 hours have passed and you no longer take narcotic pain medication.

• Refrain from intercourse until your return office visit. Do not douche or use vaginal cream preparations, unless directed by your health care provider. Use ONLY sanitary pads for any bleeding or discharge you may have. DO NOT use tampons.

• Take any medications as prescribed for you as directed by your health care provider. Some medications may cause drowsiness, particularly analgesics or pain killers. Do not drink alcoholic beverages, nor operate any machinery that would require your full alertness, (i.e. cars, sewing machines, bikes, etc.)

• It is expected to spot/bleed after this procedure. Spotting may range from a pink discharge to a red, heavier type of bleeding. Some women bleed for a day or two, while others may bleed for a week or more. If your bleeding is more than a normal menstrual period for you, please call the office.

• It is expected to feel some cramping for a day or two following this procedure. You may take medication you routinely use for menstrual cramps. You may use a warm water bottle or heating pad for comfort. Empty your bladder often. As the bladder presses on the uterus, more cramps will result.

• If you experience severe pain in the abdomen, excessive bleeding, severe cramping, or fever above 101 degrees, please call the office as soon as possible.

• You may shower or bathe in the tub after 24 hours.

• Progress slowly to a regular diet. Start off with clear liquids (broth, ginger ale, tea, jello) and advance to full liquids (soup, milk, pudding). If tolerated well, you may advance to more foods without spices or grease. Any special diets (i.e. diabetic) should be followed at home.

• If nausea and vomiting occur, lie on your side to prevent possible choking. If nausea and vomiting persist, call the office for guidance.

• It is normal to experience light-headedness and dizziness after anesthesia for 24 hours. Have a responsible adult stay with you.

• Rest at home with moderate activity. It is not necessary to be confined to bed. Advance activity level as tolerated unless ordered by your health care provider.

• You will be given an appointment to return to our office for a follow-up visit in one or two weeks. Please call the office for any questions or problems at 473-2021.

D&C or D&E

• No strenuous exercising for 3-4 days following your procedure. Driving a car may be resumed when you feel up to it after 24 hours have passed and you no longer take narcotic pain medication.

• Refrain from intercourse until your return office visit. Do not douche or use vaginal cream preparations, unless directed by your health care provider. Use ONLY sanitary pads for any bleeding or discharge you may have. DO NOT use tampons.

• Take any medications as prescribed for you as directed by your health care provider. Some medications may cause drowsiness, particularly analgesics or pain killers. Do not drink alcoholic beverages, nor operate any machinery that would require your full alertness, (i.e. cars, sewing machines, bikes, etc.)

• It is expected to spot/bleed after this procedure. Spotting may range from a pink discharge to a red, heavier type of bleeding. Some women bleed for a day or two, while others may bleed for a week or more. If your bleeding is more than a normal menstrual period for you, please call the office.

• It is expected to feel some cramping for a day or two following this procedure. You may take medication you routinely use for menstrual cramps. You may use a warm water bottle or heating pad for comfort. Empty your bladder often. As the bladder presses on the uterus, more cramps will result.

• If you experience severe pain in the abdomen, excessive bleeding, severe cramping, or fever above 101 degrees, please call the office as soon as possible.

• You may shower or bathe in the tub after 24 hours.

• Progress slowly to a regular diet. Start off with clear liquids (broth, ginger ale, tea, jello) and advance to full liquids (soup, milk, pudding). If tolerated well, you may advance to more foods without spices or grease. Any special diets (i.e. diabetic) should be followed at home.

• If nausea and vomiting occur, lie on your side to prevent possible choking. If nausea and vomiting persist, call the office for guidance.

• It is normal to experience light-headedness and dizziness after anesthesia for 24 hours. Have a responsible adult stay with you.

• Rest at home with moderate activity. It is not necessary to be confined to bed. Advance activity level as tolerated unless ordered by your health care provider.

• It is normal to experience some depression after this procedure. We advise our patients to maintain communication with family and friends and health care provider. They can advise them through the healing and recovery period

• You will be given an appointment to return to our office for a follow-up visit in two weeks. Please call the office for any questions or problems at 473-2021.