Mild dysplasia refers to early cell changes in the cervix that have not yet progressed to more serious cervical cancer. While mild dysplasia often resolves on its own without treatment, there are some natural ways you can potentially get rid of it faster and prevent it from progressing.
What causes mild dysplasia?
Mild dysplasia is caused by persistent infection with high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is transmitted through sexual contact and is very common – most sexually active people will contract HPV at some point. Usually the immune system clears the infection on its own, but sometimes HPV lingers and causes changes to cervical cells. When abnormal cells start appearing but are still confined to the surface layer of the cervix, this is classified as mild dysplasia.
Why try to get rid of mild dysplasia naturally?
While mild dysplasia often goes away without treatment, there’s a chance it may progress to more serious precancerous changes or cervical cancer if left untreated. Treating mild dysplasia can help get rid of abnormal cells before they advance. Some reasons you may want to try natural remedies include:
- Avoiding potential side effects of conventional treatments like cryotherapy or laser therapy
- Boosting your immune function to help your body clear HPV
- Using antiviral herbs that may fight HPV
- Reducing inflammation that may promote abnormal cell growth
That being said, natural remedies are not a substitute for regular cervical cancer screening and follow-up care. Always discuss management of dysplasia with your doctor.
Lifestyle changes
Some lifestyle measures may help boost your immune system’s ability to clear HPV infection and encourage regression of mild dysplasia. These include:
Quit smoking
Smoking is linked to a higher risk of developing and progressing dysplasia. Chemicals in cigarettes can damage cervical cells and make it harder for your immune system to fight infection. Quitting smoking protects cervical health.
Eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet
Eating a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats provides antioxidants and nutrients that support immune function. Make sure your diet includes plenty of:
- Fruits and vegetables high in beta-carotene like carrots, sweet potatoes and leafy greens
- Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower
- Berries rich in antioxidants
- Garlic and onions
- Omega-3 fatty acids from fish, nuts and seeds
- High-quality protein like poultry, eggs, legumes, dairy and soy
- Whole grains like oats, brown rice and quinoa
Exercise regularly
Regular physical activity reduces inflammation, helps modulate immune responses and may discourage development of dysplasia. Aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise like brisk walking.
Maintain a healthy weight
Obesity is linked to increased risk of persistent HPV infection and progression of dysplasia. Losing excess weight through diet and exercise supports immune function and promotes cervical health.
Use condoms
Using condoms during sex may lower odds of contracting new HPV infections that could increase dysplasia risk. While condoms don’t fully protect against HPV, they do help curb transmission.
Consider quitting hormonal birth control
Some research indicates hormonal contraceptives like the pill may potentially promote development and progression of cervical cell abnormalities. Talk to your doctor about alternative birth control options like copper IUDs if you want to quit hormones.
Nutritional supplements
Certain vitamins, minerals and other natural compounds may help clear HPV, fight dysplasia progression and support cervical health. Talk to your doctor before taking supplements.
Folic acid
Folic acid is a B vitamin that aids DNA synthesis and repair. Ensuring adequate folic acid intake from fortified foods or a supplement around 400-800 mcg daily appears protective against cervical dysplasia.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is important for immune health. Supplementing with vitamin A or beta-carotene may help resolve mild dysplasia. Use caution with high dose vitamin A supplements during pregnancy.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that fights inflammation and damage from free radicals. Getting enough vitamin C from fruits, veggies and/or supplements helps support cervical health.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E also has antioxidant effects that may discourage development of dysplasia. Food sources include nuts, seeds, avocado and olive oil.
Indole-3-carbinol
Indole-3-carbinol is a compound found in cruciferous veggies that exhibits antiviral and anticancer effects. Supplements may help promote clearance of HPV and regression of mild cervical changes.
N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
The antioxidant NAC enhances immune system activity and may help eliminate HPV infection. Talk to your doctor about appropriate dosing.
Green tea extract
Compounds found in green tea called catechins have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects that may discourage development of dysplasia when taken in supplement form.
Curcumin
Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, boasts antiviral, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. It may support clearance of HPV and cervical dysplasia when taken as a supplement.
Garlic
Garlic has antiviral and immune-boosting properties. Allicin, one of its active compounds, may help fight HPV and reduce cervical changes.
Herbal remedies
Some traditional herbal medicines may help clear HPV infection and encourage regression of mild dysplasia. More research is needed to confirm their effectiveness and safety.
Astragalus
The Chinese herb astragalus has immune-stimulating and antiviral effects and has been used traditionally for HPV and cervical dysplasia. It may help normalize cervical cells when taken regularly.
Reishi mushroom
Reishi is a medicinal mushroom used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to enhance immune function and fight viruses. Preliminary research indicates it may inhibit growth of cervical cancer cells.
Thuja occidentalis
Thuja is a homeopathic remedy derived from a type of tree. It may possibly stimulate the immune system to fight HPV when taken orally according to individualized homeopathic directions.
Echinacea
Many herbalists recommend echinacea to help stimulate immune response against HPV. Use this short-term only rather than constantly.
Goldenseal
Goldenseal is an antimicrobial herb that may potentially disrupt HPV infection and control growth of abnormal cervical cells when taken regularly.
Milk thistle
Milk thistle has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits that may curb development of dysplasia. It can be taken as a tincture or supplement.
Cat’s claw
Cat’s claw is an immune-modulating herb that may enhance clearance of HPV infection. Look for formulations standardized to pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids.
Mushroom extracts
Certain medicinal mushroom extracts like AHCC (active hexose correlated compound) may possibly help eradicate HPV and encourage regression of cervical cell changes.
Essential oils
Using antiviral and anti-inflammatory essential oils may help fight HPV and support cervical health when applied topically. Never take essential oils by mouth without supervision. Options to try include:
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil demonstrates antiviral activity against HPV in lab studies. Add a few diluted drops to a carrier oil and apply to the cervix.
Oregano oil
Oregano oil has antimicrobial and antiviral properties that may inhibit HPV. It can be diluted and used topically on the cervix.
Myrrh oil
Traditionally used to promote gynecologic health, myrrh oil may have antiproliferative effects against cervical dysplasia cells.
Frankincense oil
Frankincense exhibits Immunomodulating and anti-inflammatory properties that may help fight HPV and support cervical health.
Clove oil
Clove oil demonstrates antioxidant and antimicrobial activities that may help clear HPV infection and cervical abnormalities.
Lemon balm oil
Lemon balm contains antiviral compounds that may disrupt HPV. Use it topically diluted in a carrier oil.
Home remedies
Some simple home treatments may help promote clearance of HPV and dysplasia. Discuss these approaches with your healthcare provider.
Apple cider vinegar
The acetic acid in raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar may help inhibit virus replication and normalize cervical cells. Add a couple tablespoons ACV to a warm bath and soak.
Colloidal silver
Colloidal silver demonstrates antiviral effects and may help fight HPV. Apply it topically to the cervix according to package directions.
Goldenseal douche
Using a goldenseal tea solution as a vaginal douche may help reduce cervical inflammation and abnormal cells. Steep 2-3 teabags in a pint of hot water then cool.
Vitamin C suppositories
Inserting vitamin C vaginal suppositories can deliver antioxidant and immune-supporting benefits directly to cervical tissues.
Apple cider vinegar
Dabbing raw, unfiltered ACV onto the cervix may potentially help restore normal acidity and discourage growth of abnormal cells.
When to seek medical care
Using natural remedies for mild dysplasia may help support your body’s ability to clear HPV infection and normalize cervical cell changes. However, these approaches should not replace conventional screening and treatment. Make sure to follow up regularly with your doctor and have any follow up colposcopies or biopsies recommended.
See your doctor right away if you notice any possible symptoms of cervical cancer developing, such as:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding between periods
- Bleeding after intercourse
- Increased or foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Pelvic pain
Prompt evaluation is crucial, since treating invasive cervical cancer requires more intensive interventions.
The bottom line
Complementary natural approaches like a healthy lifestyle, targeted supplements, herbal remedies and home treatments may help boost your body’s ability to clear HPV infection and encourage regression of mild dysplasia. However, always follow up with your provider regularly for cervical cancer screening and let them know if you notice any new or worsening symptoms. While many cases of mild dysplasia resolve without treatment, it’s important to make sure abnormal cells don’t progress to more advanced cervical disease.
