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Abnormal Pap Smear - Supplements
Caring for your cervix is a must, especially for sexually active women. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
- Check out folic acid
Ask your doctor if taking 10 mg a day can help reverse severe cervical dysplasia
- Fill up on fruits and veggies Help keep your cervix healthy by getting the nutrients you need from fruits and vegetables, especially tomatoes and dark yellow or orange vegetables, such as carrots and squash
- Practice safe sex
Reduce your risk for cervical dysplasia by postponing sexual activity until you’re older, limiting sexual partners, and using barrier methods of contraception
- Steer clear of cigarette smoke
Kick the habit and avoid secondhand smoke to reduce the risk of severe dysplasia
- Plan a follow-up If your pap smear detects an abnormality, see your healthcare provider for a repeat exam to determine whether additional tests or treatments are needed
Also indexed as:
- abnormal Pap smear,
- abnormal Pap test
About this treatment
What Are "Star" Ratings?
Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Folic Acid | 10 mg daily under medical supervision | Large amounts of folic acid have been shown to improve the abnormal Pap smears of some women who are taking birth control pills. |
| ||
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Green Tea | Twice weekly, apply a cream with 15% polyphenols to the cervix and/or take a 200 mg EGCG supplement daily | A preliminary study found that cervical dysplasia improved following treatment with epigallocatechin-3-gallate, a green tea flavonoid, for 8 to 12 weeks.
|
| ||
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Echinacea, Goldenseal, Marshmallow, Myrrh, Usnea, and Yarrow Suppository | Refer to label instructions | Though not proven in clinical trials, these herbs are used for their antiviral actions and thought to stimulate tissue healing. Consult a healthcare professional. |
| ||
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Selenium | Refer to label instructions | Low levels of selenium have been observed in women with cervical dysplasia. |
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Vitamin A | Refer to label instructions | Women who don’t get enough vitamin A have an increased risk of cervical dysplasia, though there is little research on using vitamin A as a treatment. |
| ||
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Vitamin E | Refer to label instructions | Women with cervical dysplasia may have lower blood levels of vitamin E compared with healthy women. |
| ||
Last Review: 05-11-2011
Copyright © 2011 Aisle7. All rights reserved. www.Aisle7.net
Learn more about Aisle7, the company.
The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2011.
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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