Birth Control Pills and Cervical Dysplasia – is there a link?

In order for an infection to take root in the body, the infecting pathogen needs to be stronger than the body’s immune system response. This applies at the level of the cervix with respect to an HPV (Human papillomavirus)

Not everyone who is infected with HPV or carries the HPV virus is going to present with cervical dysplasia. If cervical dysplasia has presented in a patient, I’m following up with proper procedure based on the degree of the lesion, but I am also investigating WHY the HPV infected this patient in the first place. There are multiple studied factors that have shown to increase the likelihood of developing cervical dysplasia – today I want to talk about the potential link of cervical dysplasia and the Oral Contraceptive Pill.

OCP’s time and time again have been shown to deplete nutrients – specifically Vitamin C, Folic Acid, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B2, and zinc.

These nutrients all are key players in our immune function as well as connective tissue integrity. When those two pillars of our immune health are not getting the nutrients, they require to function optimally, we can see why if exposed to HPV, an infection resulting in cervical dysplasia may take root. Re-storing these nutrient deficiencies become a key component of healing the cervical tissue!

If you are on OCP’s, talk to your ND about what can be done to combat nutrient deficiencies while on an OCP, or discuss other birth control options available to you.

References:

• Krause M, Mahan L. Food, Nutrition, and Diet Therapy, 7th Ed. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders, 1984.
• Butterworth CE Jr, Hatch KD, Gore H, Mueller H, Krumdieck CL. “Improvement in cervical dysplasia associated with folic acid therapy in users of oral contraceptives,” American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 1982; 35:73-82.