I have mild dysplasia and was told that I need fertility treatments (IUI) to conceive another child. I had the LEEP procedure done in October 2005. I have since spoken to a fertility doctor and he advised that he will not start fertility treatment until the mild dysplaia is resolved. I am wondering what effects and/or risks are associated with having mild dysplasia and fertility treatments. My Gyn will do nothing with the dysplasia far as procedure wise unless it becomes moderate again. Please advise. What options do I have?

Mild cervical dysplasia is due to a virus known as Human Papilloma Virus. Some forms of the virus can lead to severe dysplasia if left unchecked for long periods of time. The current thinking is that mild dysplasia should not be treated. Ninety percent of mild dysplasias will not progress and will never need treatment. Those that do progress to moderate or severe dysplasia should be treated with a LEEP procedure or laser as the preferred treatment methods. Overtreatment of mild dysplasia can cause cervical incompetence problems once pregnant.

Dysplasia does not play a role in fertility. There is no reason why fertility treatments cannot be performed in the face of mild dysplasia. Moreover, in some women, mild dysplasia may take months to years to regress. If one were to wait till regression occurred, this would adversely affect the ability of many women to conceive. Fertility specialists do not need to be concerned about the presence of mild dysplasia; it does not affect any of their treatments. Moreover, dysplasia has no adverse role in pregnancy, ability to conceive or during delivery. Patients with mild dysplasia may have vaginal deliveries without concern.

Answered by Dr. Lynn Friedman, M.D.