Cervical Dysplasia And Nutrition

Bodily cells need good nutrition to function properly -- and a nutritious diet can help reduce your risk of cell changes that may lead to precancerous changes. Cervical dysplasia is a precancerous condition that may benefit from a healthy diet full of all the necessary nutrients. If you have cervical dysplasia, consult with your gynecologist about your situation to determine if you are nutritionally deficient in any area and how this affects your cervical health.

Cervical Dysplasia

Before cervical cancer develops, a condition called cervical dysplasia occurs. Dysplasia is not cancer; it is the abnormal growth of cells. In cervical dysplasia, the abnormal, precancerous cells are in the cervical canal or the surface of the cervix. Depending on the extent of the dysplasia, treatment can involve a repeat Pap smear in 3 to 6 months, or a doctor may remove the abnormal tissue. A Pap smear is the diagnostic tool used to diagnose cervical dysplasia; it is hypothesized that the human papillomavirus, or HPV, causes the condition.

Risk Factors

Although any woman is at risk for developing cervical dysplasia, there are some factors that can increase your risk. Infection with HPV, smoking cigarettes, genital warts, having multiple sexual partners and a history of sexually transmitted infections can all increase your risk for dysplasia. Additional risk factors include a weakened immune system, low levels of folate in the red blood cells and deficiencies in several vitamins including the antioxidant vitamins A, C and E, and beta-carotene.

Nutrition and Cervical Health

A study published in 2009 in the "Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine" found an inverse association between antioxidant micronutrients and the risk of cervical neoplasia, or dysplasia. The study indicates that women lacking in nutrients like beta-carotene, retinol and lycopene are more likely to have diagnoses of cervical cancer. More research is needed, but these preliminary results are promising. The University of Maryland Medical Center adds that folic acid deficiencies have been associated with cervical dysplasia, but this needs to be studied further to make any definitive recommendations for supplementation. Good overall nutrition can boost the immune system, which can help reduce the risk of cervical dysplasia as well.

Considerations

Good nutrition will not necessarily cure cervical dysplasia and is not a replacement for regular Pap smears and practicing safer sex. Before consuming vitamin supplements, ask your doctor if they are necessary and appropriate in your situation to avoid adverse side effects. If you have cervical dysplasia, talk consult your gynecologist for possible treatment options. Ask how nutrition can help promote overall and cervical health.

Cervical Dysplasia and Nutrition