If you’re an adult female, you’ve probably been getting a regular screening PAP test completed every three years since your early 20’s. You book that often-dreaded appointment with your gynecologist or family doctor, and bring yourself in for a quick sample of cervical cells to be collected and sent off to the lab. Most of the time, this is the last you hear about your cervical health, until you’re reminded three years later to do it all again. For women who have abnormal cervical cells, however, this process tends to look a lot different. You are usually contacted by your gynecologists’ office, and informed that you will need to have a repeat PAP test much sooner than expected, usually in 3-6 months time. Depending on the extent of cellular abnormalities, you may also be referred for a colposcopy and biopsy of your cervix (fancy words for fancy imaging procedures). But how does all of this impact your fertility and future conception? Does the health of your cervix play a role in subfertility and pregnancy outcomes? With rates of HPV and cervical dysplasia on the rise, it’s important to be informed and empowered about how your cervical health can impact your fertility, even if conception is not your immediate goal. Today I break it all down, and chat about one of my favourite women’s health topics; cervical dysplasia! What does my abnormal PAP mean? Let’s start with the basics! My patient’s come in all the time, knowing nothing more than their PAP test result was “abnormal” – while this knowledge is important, it doesn’t tell us enough about how severe the cellular changes are, or how concerned we need to be about progression to cervical cancer. The presence of an abnormal PAP test generally indicates that you are experiencing some degree of cervical dysplasia – this means that under certain conditions and stressors, the previously normal cells of your cervix have mutated and become abnormal in size, shape, and/or function. The most common cause of these abnormal cellular changes is the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which has been estimated to be present in 80-90% of the North American Population at current. However, the interesting fact is that not all individuals who have been exposed to HPV will have abnormal PAP test results in their lifetime. A variety of factors seem to play a role in progression of HPV to cervical dysplasia, such as which specific HPV strain you have contracted (low or high risk), immune system function, sexual practices and HPV status of your sexual partners, as well as factors such as diet, smoking status, and long term oral contraceptive pill use. When your PAP test results return as “abnormal” they generally have one of the following basic terms to indicate the severity or “grade” of the cervical lesions present:
Huh? What is cervical dysplasia? Cervical dysplasia is a term used to describe the abnormal cellular changes that occur to the cells of the cervix. It indicates the presence of pre-malignant or pre-cancerous changes to the cervix, and if left untreated it may progress to cervical cancer over time. High stage lesions are more likely to progress to cervical cancer, while low stage lesions are less likely. The main causative factor is currently chronic HPV infection. What is HPV? HPV or the Human Papillomavirus is an infectious agent that is generally transmitted between sexual partners via direct sexual contact of the skin and/or mucous membranes. It is considered the main causative factor of cervical cancer worldwide. There are over 100 different strains of HPV, some of which can cause genital and non-genital warts, while others can cause cervical dysplasia and progress to cervical cancer. Low-risk strains of HPV (like 6 and 11) are more likely to cause external genital warts, while high-risk strains (like 16 and 18) are more often associated with cervical changes and progression to cancer. After your abnormal Pap test results, your gynecologist may assess for HPV strain using an HPV DNA test. How does this impact my fertility? Now for the fertility talk! Presence of cervical dysplasia on it’s own has not yet been linked to any changes to fertility status, but the use of recommended conventional treatment options is a different story. The most common conventional treatment of cervical dysplasia is a surgical procedure called LEEP, where the abnormal tissue is removed from the cervix using an electro-cautery tool. Research indicates that those who undergo surgical treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia are at in increased risk of subfertility, with prolonged time to pregnancy. Time to conception was prolonged in 16.4% of women treated via surgical removal of the cervical tissue, versus 8.4% in untreated women, and 8.6% of women who underwent colposcopy alone. The LEEP procedure may also impact the production of cervical mucous, which is an extremely important aspect of how the sperm is able to travel unimpeded to meet and fertilise the egg during your fertile window. The procedure has also been linked to stenosis (or narrowing) of the opening to the cervix, which may impact fertility and pregnancy outcomes – most common of which include increased risk of premature rupture of membranes, low birth weight, and pre-term delivery. Incompetence of the cervix, which can be caused by surgical trauma to the area, may also increase the risk for miscarriage. The good news, is that LEEP is not your only option when it comes to treatment of cervical dysplasia. Luckily, the clearance rate of HPV and cervical dysplasia is naturally quite high – about 60% of individuals with low grade cervical dysplasia will regress to normal within two years, with 33% of those with high grade changes following suit. The main issue that arises is HPV persistence – conventional treatment options only focus on removing the abnormal cells from the cervix, and do not focus on clearing the virus itself. As a result, the return of cervical dysplasia post LEEP procedure can be as high as 30%. Naturopathic treatment options that improve clearance of HPV as well as promote regression of dysplasia fill in the gaps of conventional care, while also being mindful of impacts to future fertility and pregnancy outcomes. Top 5 Naturopathic Management Options for Cervical Dysplasia and HPV So, what can you do to help prevent persistence of HPV and improve clearance of dysplasia without impacting fertility? Ongoing PAP tests in accordance with screening guidelines are particularly important – whether you decide to move forward with conventional and/or naturopathic treatment, continued cervical screening is crucial in monitoring potential progression to cancer. Repeat PAP testing may also be linked to increased rate of regression of cervical dysplasia, so keep up to date on those PAP tests, especially if they’ve been abnormal!
We offer a free 30 minute consultation to all new patients. Come in and meet with one of our Naturopathic Doctors to discuss your options for promoting cervical health, while also preserving your fertility. Click the button below to book with us today! About the AuthorDr Jennah Miller is a Naturopathic Doctor at the Toronto Reproductive Acupuncture Clinic. Read her full bio. References
De Vet, H. C. W., & Sturmans, F. (1994). Risk factors for cervical dysplasia: Implications for prevention.Public Health,108(4), 241-249. Tomita, L. Y., Roteli-Martins, C. M., Villa, L. L., Franco, E. L., & Cardoso, M. A. (2011). Associations of dietary dark-green and deep-yellow vegetables and fruits with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia: modification by smoking.British journal of nutrition,105(6), 928-937. González, C. A., Travier, N., Luján‐Barroso, L., Castellsagué, X., Bosch, F. X., Roura, E., ... & Sacerdote, C. (2011). Dietary factors and in situ and invasive cervical cancer risk in the European prospective investigation into cancer and nutrition study.International journal of cancer,129(2), 449-459. Kyrgiou, M., Athanasiou, A., Paraskevaidi, M., Mitra, A., Kalliala, I., Martin-Hirsch, P., ... & Paraskevaidis, E. (2016). Adverse obstetric outcomes after local treatment for cervical preinvasive and early invasive disease according to cone depth: systematic review and meta-analysis. Bmj, 354, i3633. Ciavattini, A., Clemente, N., Carpini, G. D., Gentili, C., Di Giuseppe, J., Barbadoro, P., ... & Liverani, C. A. (2015). Loop electrosurgical excision procedure and risk of miscarriage. Fertility and sterility, 103(4), 1043-1048. Acharya, G., Kjeldberg, I., Hansen, S. M., Sørheim, N., Jacobsen, B. K., & Maltau, J. M. (2005). Pregnancy outcome after loop electrosurgical excision procedure for the management of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Archives of gynecology and obstetrics, 272(2), 109-112. Bogdanova, J. (2008) Coriolus versicolor–innovation in prevention of oncogynecological diseases, especially HPV. Akush Ginekol (Sofiia). 2008;47 Suppl 3:51-3. Ali, N., Roshdy, E., Sabry, M., & Al-Hendy, A. (2013). Green tea: varieties, production and health benefits. Food and beverage consumption and health (Eds. Wu, W.), Nova Biochemical, USA, 33-74. Hudson, T., & Northrup, C. (2008). Women's Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine: Alternative Therapies and Integrative Medicine for Total Health and Wellness. McGraw-Hill. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-fact-sheet#q2
17 Comments
Angela R. Patton
11/11/2023 06:18:25 am
6 years ago I had warts, I was treated with some liquid applied to the warts. They continued to grow and spread... The next 2 doctors did laser surgery to remove them. 1 year after the surgery, they grew back close to where the 1st ones were' so I was finally told it was hpv. I have had it for very long time, I contract it from my cheated boyfriend and I found out he was also infected and I end up the relationship between us. the warts was so embarrassed because it started spreading all over I have be dealing with this things for very long time the last treatment I take was About 2 years ago I applied natural treatment from Dr OLIHAherbal cure, a week after applying the treatment all the warts was gone. it's now 2 years and some months I don't have single wart or any symptoms of hpv. wow"" it's great, Dr OLIHA has finally cured me. Anyone living with hpv contact Dr OLIHA for natural treatment.
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wendy bannerman
1/3/2024 10:31:13 am
I am now leaving a healthy life after using the herbal medicine to cure myself from herpes, i am now herpes disease free after the application and usage. You can contact him for your herbal medication from via Email Robinsonbuckler11@gmail com. Thanks and God Bless you for your help, referring people with herpes disease to use this herbal remedy__________________________🌿🌿🌿
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Defi Mike
11/11/2023 10:34:50 pm
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Clifford Simon
11/14/2023 05:57:31 pm
I have be dealing with Hpv for the past 5 years until i got review online about Dr Onokun people testified s how they got cured with his herbal medicine. And i order the treatment, after taking it for 14days i totally got cured with Dr Onokun herbal treatment. I'm recommending you diagnosis with Hpv or any health issues should contact him and get cured naturally. You can contact him via email: Dronokunherbalcure@gmail.com
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Daill sofia
11/16/2023 05:51:21 pm
All thanks to God I tested positive for HSV-2 few months ago. At first, yes, I was devastated thinking I have an incurable STD for life. After doing hours of research I quickly realized genital herpes is a filthy parasite that just likes to hide in your body. Yes, there’s no “medical cure” but that doesn’t mean your body can’t get rid of it. I literally flush it out of my system with the help of Dr. Akhigbe natural herbal medication which I ordered after doing some research. And now I’m HSV-2 Negative, I never believed it until my doctor finally gave me the test results and behold I was HSV free. I’m so glad that I found you Dr. Akhigbe. Thanks so much for your goodness I’m grateful. You can also get your help from him through his Whats App Contact for fast communication (+2349021374574) OR Email: drakhigbeherbalhome5@gmail.com
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Leah Hart
11/19/2023 04:23:01 pm
i was diagnosis with hpv for 3 years, few months ago a friend introduced me to Dr Onokun and i only took his natural treatment for a week & 3 days, and i totally got cured with his herbal treatment. if you are suffering from hpv, you don't have to be roaming round dr onokun email is been attached to contact him on email:
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11/27/2023 11:09:53 am
Natural herbs have cured so many illnesses that drugs and injections can't cure. I've seen the great importance of natural herbs and the wonderful work they have done in people's lives. I read people's testimonies online on how they were curtreated of Herpes, Diabetics , Gonorrhea, Hepatitis, shingles, HPV, Cancer , by herbal medicine, so I decided to contact the doctor because I know nature has the power to heal anything. I was diagnosed with Herpes for the past years but Dr Chike cured me with his herbs and i referred my aunt and her husband to him immediately because they were both suffering from herpes but to God be the glory, they were cured too .I know is hard to believe but am a living testimony. There is no harm trying herbs. Contact Dr on Whats-App .+233502715551. For herbs and medications. Or you can also contact through his Facebook page @ Dr Chike Herbal Remedy.
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Li Zhong
1/30/2024 07:19:54 am
HOW I GOT CURED FROM HPV: Words are not enough to thank you Lord Vasikar for healing me of this HPV that have been disturbing me for 3 years now. I have promised to tell the whole world about your good works if the herbs is legit and work, now i'm here to do it and say thank you so so much Lord Vasikar I'm so happy with my life now. At last I'm free from HPV. He can also cures HERPES,EPILEPSY, DIABETES,COLD SORE, Multiple Sclerosis, CANCER,Stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, FIBROIDS, LEUKEMIA , LIVER, KIDNEY PROBLEMS , INFERTILITY, ULCER,LUPUS, ARTHRITIS ,THYROID, HIV, Hepatitis A,B,C , AIDS and a lot more. kindly contact him on WhatsApp +44(791)5646138 Email:procurespell@outlook.com or With his Facebook page links to order:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088110402630
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ana
1/30/2024 08:57:11 pm
Hello yall im here to give a brief testimony of myself here. This might be very beneficial to some of you here and it might put an end to your ordeal. I was once a HERPES patient. I contracted the deadly virus about 8 years ago, since then, the stigma and shame has not been easy for me to bear. All this while, I have been living on normal drugs to suppress the virus to help me live my normal life, two years ago I came across a herbalist online called Dr Okosun, I contacted him and I got some herbal medications from him which I used as he instructed, just after 4 weeks, indeed, I was treated and I tested negative after taking his herbal medicine, although the medics made us believe herpes have no cure, Dr Okosun herbal remedy say otherwise, and i recommend him yall, drokosun55@gmail. com
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Li Zhong
2/1/2024 05:00:04 am
HOW I GOT CURED FROM HPV: Words are not enough to thank you Lord Vasikar for healing me of this HPV that have been disturbing me for 3 years now. I have promised to tell the whole world about your good works if the herbs is legit and work, now i'm here to do it and say thank you so so much Lord Vasikar I'm so happy with my life now. At last I'm free from HPV. He can also cures HERPES,EPILEPSY, DIABETES,COLD SORE, Multiple Sclerosis, CANCER,Stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, FIBROIDS, LEUKEMIA , LIVER, KIDNEY PROBLEMS , INFERTILITY, ULCER,LUPUS, ARTHRITIS ,THYROID, HIV, Hepatitis A,B,C , AIDS and a lot more. kindly contact him on WhatsApp +44(791)5646138 Email:procurespell@outlook.com or With his Facebook page links to order:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088110402630
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leslie jordan
2/16/2024 06:25:24 am
I was infected with herpes for eight years and I was not happy and I was very desperate to get a cure so that I could live normally and get healthy. One day I decided to do the latest research on herpes and its cure and I found a site where everyone was talking about Dr okosun and his ability to cure Herpes and all manners of diseases and viruses with herbs.I contacted him and he helped me just as he has helped others , after using his medication for four weeks which was a month, I was completely cured and have been cured since ten years, am very happy, that's why i decided to share this good news to the general public, and i recommend ya"ll to this herbal doctor. drokosun55@gmail.com call/whatsapp +2349117617336
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frances tony
4/1/2024 11:16:25 pm
I thought the physicians says there is no cure for HSV 2!!! I am telling you today that DR.UMA cure HSV 2 with his herbal medicine and once you get cured you are cured forever it is never reversible, I have been suffering for this deadly disease called h HSV 2 for more than a 2years and lost all hope because my doctor says there is no cure for HSV 2. Brethren I saw a testimony on the internet on how DR.UMA cure HSV, Hapatitis etc with his herbal medication and an email and watsapp to contact him was also displayed, I thought this was joke but I decided to contact him and he replied telling me not to worry that my problem is over . DR.UMA sent me a herbal medication to drink for one month but only 2weeks I feel strange and I went to my doctor and he confirmed me negative. He can help you too. Contact him via email...dr.umaherbalcenter@gmail.com WhatsApp +2347035619585. He is capable of curing AUTISM, HERPES, HPV, HSV1&2, HEPATITIS A B C, and DIABETES.
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Niki nicole
4/11/2024 11:35:54 pm
I was in tears and pain, suffering from Herpes for the past 2 years, and ever since then I have been taking series of treatment but there was no improvement until I came across testimonies of Dr. happy on how he has been curing different people from different diseases all over the world, then I contacted him as well. After our conversation he sent me the medicine which I took according .to his instructions. When I was done taking the herbal medicine I went for a medical checkup and to my greatest surprise I was cured from Herpes. My heart is so filled with joy. If you are suffering from Herpes or any other disease, or you want your ex back you can contact Dr. happy now Via...
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Niki nicole
4/13/2024 09:42:19 am
I was in tears and pain, suffering from Herpes for the past 2 years, and ever since then I have been taking series of treatment but there was no improvement until I came across testimonies of Dr. happy on how he has been curing different people from different diseases all over the world, then I contacted him as well. After our conversation he sent me the medicine which I took according .to his instructions. When I was done taking the herbal medicine I went for a medical checkup and to my greatest surprise I was cured from Herpes. My heart is so filled with joy. If you are suffering from Herpes or any other disease, or you want your ex back you can contact Dr. happy now Via...
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Niki nicole
4/13/2024 09:48:38 am
I was in tears and pain, suffering from Herpes for the past 2 years, and ever since then I have been taking series of treatment but there was no improvement until I came across testimonies of Dr. happy on how he has been curing different people from different diseases all over the world, then I contacted him as well. After our conversation he sent me the medicine which I took according .to his instructions. When I was done taking the herbal medicine I went for a medical checkup and to my greatest surprise I was cured from Herpes. My heart is so filled with joy. If you are suffering from Herpes or any other disease, or you want your ex back you can contact Dr. happy now Via...
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Niki nicole
4/13/2024 12:36:34 pm
I was in tears and pain, suffering from Herpes for the past 2 years, and ever since then I have been taking series of treatment but there was no improvement until I came across testimonies of Dr. happy on how he has been curing different people from different diseases all over the world, then I contacted him as well. After our conversation he sent me the medicine which I took according .to his instructions. When I was done taking the herbal medicine I went for a medical checkup and to my greatest surprise I was cured from Herpes. My heart is so filled with joy. If you are suffering from Herpes or any other disease, or you want your ex back you can contact Dr. happy now Via...
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OPTIMISTIC HACKER GAIUS: IS THE BEST COMPANY FOR CRYPTO CURRENCY RECOVERY AND HOW TO RECOVER LOST CRYPTO FUNDS
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