Cervical Health - What to Consider | Pacifica Compounding Pharmacy

Most women don’t think about their cervix very often – unless they are visiting the gynecologist for an annual exam. The reality is, cervical health is essential, and food, choice of contraception, and other lifestyle factors significantly impact the cervix.

Here are some important things to consider:

HPV (human papillomavirus) Awareness

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in not just women, but men and children too. If you’re sexually active, you need to increase your awareness. HPV spreads from intimate skin-to-skin contact, and sexual intercourse is not necessary to transmit it. Unfortunately, condoms may not completely prevent exposure.

There are about two hundred different types of HPV, but about 14 types may cause more serious health concerns, such as changes to your cervical cells. Two specific types are responsible for 70% of all cases of unhealthy cervical cells and other cervical concerns including cancer.

In 2006 HPV Vaccines were made available in the U.S. The vaccine will be most effective when administered at a younger age, when exposure to HPV has not occured. The vaccine available in the US protects against 4 of the strains, which seems like very few, but two of the strains it protects against account for over 70% of cervical cancers. Talk with you doctor if you haven’t had the vaccine but would like to know if it might be right for you.

A Pap test is a good test to identify abnormal cells or high-risk strains of HPV that could cause issues in the future. When abnormal cell changes are caught early, treatment may not be needed, and the problem may correct itself with time. If caught later, surgery may be required to remove unhealthy tissue. There is currently no cure for HPV, so shift your focus to HPV prevention. It’s vital to practice healthy lifestyle habits to keep your body’s immune system strong which in turn support a healthy cervix.

In addition to regular gynecological visits, the following lifestyle habits can optimize your cervical health:

Eliminate Smoking

Smoking cigarettes may increase your risk of HPV and unhealthy cell development that includes cervical cancer. If you smoke, quitting is the single most key step you can take to improve the length and quality of your life. Tobacco use can suppress the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off HPV.

Reduce Alcohol Intake

Studies suggest there may be a link between persistent HPV and alcohol consumption due to its effect on folate levels. Folate helps make and repair DNA, so it’s important to maintain healthy levels of this nutrient to support overall cell health. Even moderate alcohol consumption can deplete folate levels, so consider cutting down on your alcohol consumption if you drink more than one alcoholic beverage a day.

Regular Exercise

Being physically active every day is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Among well-known benefits of exercise like heart and bone health, regular physical activity can also help support a healthy immune system. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week, and find activities that you enjoy, like hiking, swimming, cycling, or dancing.

Oral Contraceptive Use

The risk for unhealthy cervical cell development is higher among women who have HPV and use oral contraceptives for five to nine years. Cervical cell changes among oral contraceptive users are three times greater than women who never used oral contraceptives.

Healthy Diet

In general, try to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables each day. Aim to fill your plate with the rainbow – more colors equal more nutrients. But for cervical health specifically, focus on vitamin C, vitamin A, and folate. Foods rich in these nutrients may help support a healthy cervix. Vitamin C-rich foods include strawberries, bell peppers, kiwi, and broccoli. Orange and yellow foods are often an indicator of vitamin A content, so choose plenty of sweet potatoes, mangoes, and carrots. And to reach your folate goals, add leafy greens, beans, whole grains, and avocado. Also — Indole-3-carbinol (I-3-C) is a compound found naturally in cruciferous vegetables that may offer some benefit for cervical health. It is known to stimulate detoxifying enzymes in the gut and liver and may help prevent cancer. Try to include some cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and/or Brussels sprouts in your meals every week.

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