- The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the leading cause of cervical dysplasia. As many as 99 percent of all cases of cervical dysplasia are caused by the virus. HPV often goes undetected without a pap smear, which is why doctors encourage annual exams. Untreated HPV is very likely to cause cervical dysplasia and develop into cervical cancer. HPV has many different strains, from cervical dysplasia to genital warts.
- Studies show that overweight woman do not go for annual checkups as regularly as woman who are a healthy weight, giving overweight women a higher risk for severe cases of cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer. All women should schedule an annual pap smear in order to detect cervical dysplasia at its earliest stages, making treatment much easier.
- Pregnancy may possibly lead to cervical dysplasia in two ways. First, a woman who gives birth before age 20 is more likely to have cervical dysplasia at some point in her life. Scientists are not sure why, but it may have to do with the likelihood of someone giving birth at a young age having many sexual partners and therefore raising her chances of contracting HPV. In addition, woman who have multiple pregnancies raise their chances of cervical dysplasia. Again, scientists are not sure why, but it could have to do with the cervix becoming weaker with each pregnancy and becoming more susceptible to the condition.
- Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) other than HPV can also cause cervical dysplasia, although it is rare. However, STDs can often complicate the condition. Chlamydia and herpes are known to escalate cervical dysplasia from mild to severe, making the possibility of cervical cancer higher. The two diseases seem to weaken the body's ability to fight off the abnormal cells, resulting in a quicker progression of the condition. Since HPV can be transmitted along with chlamydia or herpes, it is important for all sexually active women to be checked regularly.
- A woman with any type of immune system disorder is more likely to develop cervical dysplasia because the body cannot effectively fight off the abnormal cells when they first appear, allowing the abnormal cells to grow on the cervix. Women with HIV or lupus are especially likely to have abnormal cell growth on the cervix. Also, women who have had a major organ transplant are likely to have cervical dysplasia at some point in her life.
