How To Know You Have Cervical Dysplasia, An Extremely Dangerous Condition Which Often Leads To Cervical Cancer

July 9, 2018

Cervical dysplasia: What is it?

Cervical dysplasia is a condition in which abnormal cells are found on the cervix. In some cases, it may eventually lead to cervical cancer. The condition is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection. However, not all women infected with HPV go on to develop cervical dysplasia.

Cervical dysplasia commonly affects sexually active women in their 20s and 30s. If the condition is mild, it may go away on its own. But if it is moderate or severe, it usually requires treatment to prevent it from progressing into cervical cancer.

Who is more likely to develop cervical dysplasia?

As we mentioned above, HPV infection is a major risk factor for developing the condition. You are at a higher risk of cervical dysplasia if one or more of the following risk factors apply to you:

a weakened immune system;
having sex with multiple partners;
having sex with a person who has multiple sexual partners;
becoming sexually active before age 18;
giving birth at an age younger than 16;
smoking.

How to know you have cervical dysplasia

Cervical dysplasia usually produces no symptoms. Rarely, an abnormal bleeding may occur. There may still be no symptoms even if the condition progresses into cervical cancer.

Abnormal cells on the cervix cannot be seen during a regular pelvic exam. This is why Pap tests are used to look for abnormal cells. A Pap test is also useful in determining the degree of abnormal changes, along with other tests.

If dysplasia is mild, it may go away on its own, but it still needs to be carefully monitored. If the condition is more serious, the abnormal cells usually need to be removed with surgery or other procedures.

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How to lower the risk of cervical dysplasia

To reduce your risk of cervical dysplasia, you need to take steps to avoid HPV infection. Several other measures can also help.

The following measures can help lower your chances of developing cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer:

use condoms when having sex;
have sex with only one partner, who tested negative for HPV and doesn’t have other sexual partners;
if you are 26 or younger, get an HPV vaccine;
don't skip regular appointments with your gynecologist, and have regular Pap tests as recommended;
don’t smoke.

Source: HealthLine, Mayo Clinic, WebMD

This article is solely for informational purposes. Do not self-diagnose or self-medicate, and in all cases consult a certified healthcare professional before using any information presented in the article. The editorial board does not guarantee any results and does not bear any responsibility for any harm that may result from using the information provided in the article.