Cervical dysplasia, an abnormal cell growth on the cervix, can be a precursor to cervical cancer. As with other types of cancers, regular screenings are essential for detecting dysplasia and other reproductive abnormalities. Cervical dysplasia can be prevented -- although not necessarily treated -- by making sure you get enough folic acid in your diet and by avoiding long-term use of hormonal birth control.
Dysplasia Causes
Although cervical dysplasia is generally associated with human papillomavirus, the exact cause is unknown, and researchers are not sure why some cases of dysplasia become cancerous and others do not. A few possible risk factors include prior HPV infection or other sexually transmitted diseases, becoming sexually active or giving birth at a young age, smoking, long-term birth control use, and deficiencies in folate, vitamin A, beta-carotene, selenium, vitamin C or vitamin E.
Folate
Folate, also known as folic acid or vitamin B9, is an essential nutrient that promotes cervical health. A deficiency of folate in red blood cells has been linked to cervical dysplasia. To increase your folate intake, look to whole grains, cereals fortified with folate, liver, eggs, beans, sunflower seeds, asparagus, leafy green vegetables, oranges, strawberries and melons. The University of Maryland Medical Center also recommends eating cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower to help prevent cervical cancer.
Birth Control
Using a hormonal birth-control method for longer than five years can increase your risk for cervical dysplasia. Although you do not necessarily need to stop taking hormonal birth control if you are diagnosed with dysplasia, you may wish to investigate alternative birth-control methods if you have other risk factors. Barrier methods such as condoms may provide some protection against cervical dysplasia. A 1982 study published in "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" found that folate supplements seemed to improve dysplasia cases in some women who took oral contraceptives. However, the study also showed evidence that a localized folate deficiency can be misdiagnosed as cervical dysplasia, making folate supplements an obvious treatment in those cases.
Prevention and Treatment
You can prevent cervical cancer and other complications from dysplasia by getting screened regularly for cervical cancer. A yearly Pap smear and pelvic exam can detect dysplasia, as well as a number of other reproductive-system problems and sexually transmitted infections. If you do develop dysplasia, removing the affected cells can prevent them from spreading further.
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