How can cervical dysplasia be prevented?

How can cervical dysplasia be prevented?

The only way to prevent cervical dysplasia is to avoid getting HPV. If you already have an HPV infection, you can reduce the risk of it developing into cervical cancer by getting regular Pap smears. Pap smears won’t prevent cervical dysplasia, but regular Pap smears can diagnose cervical dysplasia to prevent it from progressing to cancer.

• Get vaccinated against HPV. Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent HPV and cervical dysplasia. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three vaccines that prevent the types of HPV most closely associated with cervical dysplasia: Gardasil®, Gardasil 9® and Cervarix®. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone aged 9 to 26 receive the vaccine. If you’re between 27 and 45, speak with your healthcare provider about the potential benefits of getting vaccinated. Although it can’t treat pre-existing HPV or cervical dysplasia, the vaccine may prevent infections from returning in some cases.
• Practice abstinence or safer sex. You can prevent HPV infections by avoiding sexual contact, including vaginal, anal and oral sex. You can also reduce your risk by practicing safer sex. Use condoms or dental dams when having sex. Limit your number of sexual partners.
• Get regular Pap smears. You should have your first Pap smear at age 21. If your Pap smears remain normal, current recommendations suggest a repeat Pap every three years from 21 to 29. You should have a Pap and HPV test every five years if you’re between ages 30 and 65. Pap smears can’t prevent cervical dysplasia, but they can detect it early.
• Don’t smoke or use tobacco products. There’s a greater chance that an HPV infection could become cervical dysplasia — including more severe forms of cervical dysplasia — if you’re someone who smokes or uses tobacco.