Infections with the HPV virus are extremely common. The common wart has been with us for centuries but more carcinogenic strains of the virus have developed and are causing precancerous and cancerous lesions. The virus lives in the skin and will infect tissues in the vagina and cervix. The virus also can infect men and cause precancerous and cancer of the penis.
Screening for this virus in women with the PAP smear is now recommended. The PAP test can detect presence of the virus and whether it is causing the cells to become abnormal. Many women can carry the virus without having the cells change. The most important approach to treating the virus is working on the immune system with vitamins and herbs to help the body clear the virus. Vaccines are available to prevent infection from the most virulent virus strains, but they don’t protect against all of the HPV strains.
Cervical dysplasia occurs when the virus infects the cells of the cervix and causes precancerous cells to develop. The HPV virus causes most cases of dysplasia. Some of the strains of the virus are more likely to cause the cells to change than others. There also are different levels of dysplasia, mild moderate and severe The HPV 16 and 18 are most commonly involved in more severe dysplasia.
Mild dysplasia often will resolve without any treatment. Moderate and severe dysplasia requires more careful monitoring and treatment with LEEP (electrosurgical excision) or cryotherapy (freezing).
There are effective protocols using vitamins and herbal suppositories that help clear the infection and treat the abnormal cells. At Watson Wellness, we use the protocol developed by Tori Hudson, N.D. years ago. Most patients have successful resolution of the infection. Nutrients such as folic acid, green tea and transfer factor are recommended along with an herbal suppository protocol. If you are infected with the HPV virus, you can have a consultation to review the best protocol for you.