Cervical dysplasia is a growth of abnormal cells on the outer lining of the cervix that may or may not be cancerous. The condition does not normally display symptoms, which is why many doctors recommend that women get regular testing done to check for cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer. In some cases your doctor may choose to monitor your condition and see if it recesses itself without any further treatment. In other cases your doctor may choose surgery to remove the infected area.
Genital Warts
Symptoms associated with are rare, but one symptom that is noticeable is genital warts. While genital warts can be a symptom of several other conditions, it can also be used as an indication that cervical dysplasia may be occuring.
Bleeding
You may begin to notice some patterns of abnormal bleeding that may be symptoms cervical dysplasia. You may notice spotting or light vaginal bleeding at times when you are not expecting your menstrual cycle. It is also possible to experience light bleeding or spotting during, or immediately following, intercourse.
Other Symptoms
Some other symptoms that are not unique to cervical dysplasia but could indicate the beginning phases of the condition are back pain and vaginal discharge. You may notice a vaginal discharge similar to the white discharge often associated with a yeast infection. It is also possible that you may begin to experience throbbing and achy pain in your lower back. It may last for several hours, or it could last for days or weeks.
Risk Factors
The causes of cervical dysplasia are not completely understood. However, there are some risk factors that seem to increase the likelihood that you will contract the disease. Those risk factors include smoking at a young age, engaging in sexual activity at age 15 or younger, having a child before your 18th birthday and excessive sexual activity with multiple partners. The University of Maryland also lists taking birth control pills for five or more years and a deficiency of vitamin C in the diet as risk factors for cervical dysplasia.
Prognosis
According to the University of Maryland, it is possible to cure any case of cervical dysplasia with prompt diagnosis and proper treatment. If left untreated cervical dysplasia could develop into cervical cancer which can be a very dangerous, and potentially fatal, condition. The University of Maryland estimates that cervical cancer derived from cervical dysplasia is one of the most fatal forms of cancer in the world, and among women ages 15 to 34 worldwide it is the second leading cause of death.
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