The Distress of Dysplasia
Dysplasia isn’t a word that comes up very often in conversation, even among women who might have received a diagnosis of cervical dysplasia. But it’s more common than you think. Although it doesn’t create any symptoms, a routine pap smear can find abnormal cells on the surface of the cervix.
The words “abnormal cells” can strike fear into the heart of any woman, which is why it’s easy to agree to medical treatments that include electrocauterization, cryosurgery, laser vaporization, or surgical removal of the affected area. Cervical dysplasia requires attention, because the abnormal cells are considered a precancerous condition. But let’s talk a little more about what’s actually the best course of action.
Dysplasia can be mild, moderate, or severe. Mild dysplasia is the most common form, and often resolves on its own. Moderate to severe dysplasia have a higher rate of progression to cancer, and require intervention. Here’s what you need to know about a Naturopathic solution for dysplasia, and why you should consider it:
Often, an underlying health issue makes women vulnerable to the HPV virus, the precursor of a cervical dysplasia diagnosis. My approach is to look at a woman’s entire body and current lifestyle, and seek to improve overall health as a first step. This is an integral part of treating any disease or condition, and often is a primary difference between seeking specialized, localized medical treatment, or using a Naturopathic approach. Cervical dysplasia can be the first warning sign a woman receives that she needs to change her lifestyle, diet, and nutritional supplementation.
When we’ve discussed lifestyle alterations, my next step is either a vaginal suppository protocol you can perform at home, or Escharotic Treatment performed in the office.
Rather than using a heated electrical loop to cauterize abnormal tissue, or a carbon dioxide cooled probe to freeze affected tissue, Escharotic Treatment relies on a topical treatment of the cervix, relying on zinc chloride along with a more gentle, botanical formula. I use a cervical bath along with naturopathic suppositories, coupled with a systemic treatment to treat both externally and internally at the same time.
A typical Escharotic in office treatment protocol requires twelve visits, twice weekly, for six weeks, followed by retesting and a maintenance schedule. A success rate of 95% for this non-harmful approach brings many women to my practice for the first time, and the majority of them remain as longterm patients. The treatment timing can be modified for patients traveling or having other time restrictions.
A 15 minute complimentary phone session can answer many of your questions about treatment for cervical dysplasia. Schedule your call by contacting me at my office, Shalva Clinic, at 203-916-4600.