Expert: Dr. Kristina Conner - 3/19/2010

Question
Hello,

I just had a question regarding abnormal pap smears.  I have recently had two abnormal pap smears within the past year.  They were both lil (low grade) but still worryies me quite a bit.  My doctor has booked me for a colposcopy this May which does make me feel better.  I am just wondering if there is any herbs..or vitamins I can take that can help with the abnormal cells on my cervix...I was very sick last year (had a baby at 25 weeks..was in labor with ruptured membranes for 12 days..and developed a major infection in my uterus..which had to be packed and cleaned for months...not sure if this could be the culprit of the abnormal paps..but just wanted to let you know..

Thanks

Terri

Answer
Hello Terri,
Thanks for your question.  It's a great time for you to be proactive and find some additional treatments that may be helpful, to fully recover from your recent history and prevent further progression of the abnormal paps.  Although it's possible to wait & watch as the conventional approach, I think many people want to do more and that's a good place to intervene with CAM therapies.  The best approach would be to find a practitioner in your area who can help you with that, such as ND (http://www.cand.ca/) or holistic MD, because an individualized approach that takes your whole history & health into account would be ideal.  If that's not possible, I'd suggest The Women's Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine by Tori Hudson, ND.  Her book goes through the protocol we typically use in these situations, written so it's understandable to the patient.  You might feel comfortable enough to try the protocol on your own, and much of it you could without a practitioner, such as initial diet changes.  There are similar books that could be additional helpful, as well.  
In health,
Dr Conner