Abnormal PAP Smears and HPV: What You Need to Know

If you have a cervix, chances are you’ve been recommended to get regular PAP smears. These screenings are essential for detecting cervical cancer, which often develops silently and without symptoms over several years.

In nearly all cases, cervical cancer begins after exposure to the human papillomavirus (HPV) — a sexually transmitted virus that affects both men and women. Understanding HPV and your body’s ability to respond to it is key to protecting your long-term cervical health.

What Is HPV and How Common Is It?

There are more than 100 strains of HPV, but only some are linked to cervical cancer. These high-risk strains can cause DNA mutations that lead to cervical dysplasia, a precancerous change in cervical cells.

HPV is currently the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI).

• Approximately 75% of sexually active women will acquire HPV by age 50.

• Most people clear the virus naturally without ever developing symptoms or dysplasia.

However, several factors can increase the risk of HPV progressing into cervical dysplasia, including:

• Cigarette smoking

• Long-term use of oral contraceptives

• A weakened immune system

This is where naturopathic medicine plays a powerful role—by supporting the body’s natural defenses to help it eliminate the virus and prevent recurrence.

The Conventional Approach to Abnormal PAPs

When a PAP smear comes back abnormal, the next step is often a colposcopy, during which a small tissue sample (biopsy) is taken to assess the degree of dysplasia.

Depending on the results, conventional treatments may include:

• LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure) – removes abnormal tissue using a heated wire loop.

• Conization – removes part of the cervix using a surgical scalpel.

While these procedures can remove abnormal tissue, they don’t address the underlying HPV infection. If the virus remains active, abnormal PAP results often return.

Additionally, LEEP and conization procedures can cause cervical scarring, which may impact cervical dilation during future childbirth.

A Naturopathic Approach to Abnormal PAPs and HPV

If you’ve had an abnormal PAP or been diagnosed with cervical dysplasia, there are natural, non-surgical options available.

In my practice, I use a targeted naturopathic approach designed to address HPV at its source — both locally and systemically.

This includes:

• Escharotic therapy – a gentle, topical treatment that removes abnormal cells while preserving healthy tissue.

• Vaginal suppositories – to support healing and maintain cervical health.

• Immune-boosting protocols – using nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle changes to strengthen the body’s ability to clear HPV.

Unlike surgical procedures, this approach leaves no cervical scarring and supports the body’s natural healing process, helping to prevent future recurrence.

The Bottom Line

An abnormal PAP result doesn’t automatically mean surgery is your only option. By understanding the connection between HPV, the immune system, and cervical health, you can make informed choices about your care.

Naturopathic medicine offers safe, effective, and holistic treatments to help your body fight HPV, repair cervical tissue, and restore balance naturally.

Read more about it in the blog article on escharotic therapy, one of the most effective natural treatments for cervical dysplasia.