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Treatment for cervical dysplasia

More severe forms of cervical dysplasia will require treatment in order to prevent cervical cancer.

Treatment for cervical dysplasia generally involves surgery, and may include:

• electrocauterization, in which low voltage radio waves are run through a wire, which then removes abnormal tissues
• cryosurgery, in which carbon dioxide is used to freeze and kill abnormal cells
• ablation, in which a laser is used to destroy abnormal cells in the cervix
• cone biopsy, in which a cone-shaped tissue sample is surgically removed from the cervix

Complications of Cervical Dysplasia

In most cases, cervical dysplasia can be rectified through appropriate treatment. However, if you do not receive treatment you are at increased risk for developing cervical cancer. Between 30% and 60% of women with untreated moderate-to-severe cervical dysplasia develop cervical cancer within 10 years.

Some cervical dysplasia treatments are also associated with complications. Cone biopsy can threaten future fertility. It is possible that your cervix will tighten up after this procedure, preventing sperm from fertilizing your eggs. It is also possible that your cervix will become loose, which can increase your risks for preterm labor.

If You are Pregnant

If you have cervical dysplasia while you are pregnant, it is important to notify all of your health care providers.

Sometimes, cervical dysplasia can get worse during pregnancy because of the increase of hormones in your body. However, a large percentage of pregnant women who are diagnosed with cervical dysplasia will recover after pregnancy, without any treatment.

You will be monitored during your pregnancy for any increase in your cervical dysplasia. You will probably receive two colonoscopies, so your health care provider can view your cervical cells.

Colonoscopy has no adverse affects on pregnancy. Even if your cervical dysplasia begins to advance, you will not receive treatment during pregnancy. This is because of the risk of preterm labor associated with cervical dysplasia treatment. If your cervical dysplasia has not disappeared after delivery, you can begin treatment.

Effects on Baby

Having cervical dysplasia when you are pregnant will have no adverse affects on your baby. It is perfectly safe to wait to receive treatment until after you have delivered.

However, if it is determined that your cervical dysplasia has been caused by an infection, such as HIV or genital warts, it is important to receive treatment for these diseases right away.

HIV and genital warts can be passed on to your newborn, causing serious complications. Your health care provider will provide screening tests to see if you have these diseases.