Pap smear and HPV infographic, natural abnormal Pap treatment in Phoenix

Natural Abnormal Pap Smear and HPV Treatment in Phoenix

An abnormal Pap smear can be unsettling, but it is often very treatable. At Living Wellness Medical Center in Phoenix, AZ , our naturopathic doctors offer natural, immune-supportive treatment options for cervical dysplasia and HPV, tailored to the severity of your cellular changes, your health history, and your personal goals.

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Understanding Your Pap Smear Results

The Pap smear is a swab of the cervix used to screen for cervical cancer. It is done as part of your annual well woman exam, usually starting at age 21 or after a woman’s first sexual experience. Here is what the terminology means:

  • The Pap smear takes a small sample of cells from the cervix, which are viewed under a microscope to assess their size, shape, and other features.
  • If the cells are normal, the Pap is considered “negative.”
  • If the cells look abnormal, they are called “cervical dysplasia” and are graded by severity:
    • ASC-US (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance)
    • ASC-H (atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude high-grade)
    • Low-grade SIL (low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, often called mild dysplasia)
    • High-grade SIL (high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, often called moderate or severe dysplasia)
    • AGC (atypical glandular cells)
  • The Pap smear also tests for human papillomavirus (HPV). There are high-risk types associated with cervical cancer and low-risk types; the Pap generally tests only for high-risk types.

Conventional Treatment Options for Cervical Dysplasia

The choice of treatment depends on the extent and severity of dysplasia, your age, and whether you have other gynecological concerns. The most common conventional methods include:

  • Cryotherapy: freezing off the atypical cells of the cervix
  • Laser therapy: a carbon dioxide laser vaporizes the abnormal cells
  • Cone biopsy: surgical removal of a cone- or cylinder-shaped piece of the cervix
  • Loop excision (LEEP): a fine electrified wire removes the abnormal area of the cervix

Naturopathic Treatment Options

Depending on the severity of the cellular changes, naturopathic treatment may offer alternatives. Because HPV is a virus, supporting the immune system can often help the body clear it and allow healthy cells to return. Treatment depends on your Pap and HPV results and your health history.

Systemic Immune Support

Topical Treatments

  • Herbal suppositories: used cyclically with antiviral, healing, immune-stimulating herbs and herbs that encourage the regeneration of healthy new cells
  • Escharotic treatments: herbs applied topically to the cervix in the office to stimulate the shedding of abnormal cells, much like a facial sheds dead skin cells, allowing new healthy cells to grow. Protocols vary in frequency and duration.

Follow-up Pap and HPV testing is used to monitor your progress. Learn more about our women’s wellness services.

Abnormal Pap Smear and HPV FAQs

What does an abnormal Pap smear mean?

An abnormal Pap means some cervical cells look atypical under the microscope, a finding called cervical dysplasia. It does not necessarily mean cancer, but it does require follow-up and possibly treatment.

What is the connection between HPV and abnormal Paps?

High-risk strains of HPV are associated with cellular changes, cervical dysplasia, and cervical cancer. The Pap test usually screens for high-risk HPV types.

Can abnormal Pap smears be treated naturally?

In many cases, yes. Depending on severity, naturopathic treatment focuses on supporting the immune system with vitamins, minerals, antiviral herbs, homeopathy, diet, and topical therapies.

What is escharotic treatment?

Escharotic treatment is an in-office procedure in which herbs are applied to the cervix to help shed abnormal cells so healthy new cells can grow.

What conventional treatments are available?

Conventional options include cryotherapy, laser therapy, cone biopsy, and loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP).

How will I know if treatment is working?

Your physician will monitor your progress with follow-up Pap and HPV testing.

How do I schedule a consultation for an abnormal Pap?

Call (480) 588-6856 to schedule an appointment with one of our naturopathic doctors.

Get Supportive Care for an Abnormal Pap

Explore natural, immune-supportive treatment options with an experienced women’s health physician. Call Living Wellness Medical Center in Phoenix, AZ at (480) 588-6856 to schedule your consultation.

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