HPV and STRESS

It is estimated that 75% of all sexually active women have been exposed to human papilloma virus (HPV) at some point in their lives. Although this infection can be cleared over time, common HPV subtypes can lead to cervical cancer. The overall health of our immune system is a good indicator of potential disease resolution or progressive cervical dysplasia.

It is well known among naturopathic physicians that stress, diet, exercise and overall lifestyle patterns can immensely affect the health of our immune system. New research conducted by Fang et al., looked at perceived daily life stressors among women and its effect on HPV resolution. A total of 74 women were questioned with regard to their daily life stressors, and those with more perceived daily stress were linked to lowered immune responses to HPV. Interestingly, there was no association found with regard to immune response to HPV and a single major stressful event.

Naturopaths believe that chronic stress can have adverse affects on the digestive, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and endocrine systems in addition to the immune system. It is also notable that women who have an abnormal pap do not necessarily need to resort to cryotherapy or LEEP procedures, as HPV can be cleared through natural therapies. At ALETRIS, we provide comprehensive medical testing, naturopathy and acupuncture to clear HPV, bring balance to the body and alleviate the response to daily stress.

ALETRIS Center of Integrative Medicine is a Scottsdale, AZ wellness center serving Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Glendale, Arrowhead, Peoria, Sun City, Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, and Mesa, AZ with specialties in naturopathic medicine, natural hormone therapy, women's health, acupuncture, colon hydrotherapy, natural skincare and sugar hair removal.

The contents of this blog, including text, graphics, images and other material, are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please seek the counsel of an ALETRIS physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment.

NO Gardasil for Our Girls

Gardasil is the FDA approved vaccination against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), the virus implicated in genital warts, cervical cancer, and abnormal PAP smears. Gardasil is believed to be protective against the four main types of HPV, two of which cause 90% of genital warts and the other two which cause 70% of cervical cancers. Even though these strains are some of the strongest, there are approximately 150 other strains that the vaccine does not protect against.

Gardasil is believed to work most effectively in females not yet sexually active and who don't have any of the above 4 HPV types. Advocates of the vaccine believe in targeting girls as young as 9 years old to receive this vaccine.

According to the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, 13 cases of a serious neurological condition called Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) have already been reported in girls who received the HPV vaccination. The National Vaccine Information Center has stated that the risk of GBS increases when Gardasil is given at the same time as other vaccines.

Other reported adverse reactions to Gardasil include fainting, muscular weakness, headache, nausea, and arthritis. Unfortunately, we won’t even really know how “protected” our children are until many more years of research have been conducted. Patients can file complaints regarding Gardasil to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Currently, 15-20% of all reports made to VAERS are associated with the Gardasil vaccine.

Naturopaths at ALETRIS frequently work with women who have abnormal pap results and precancerous cervical lesions. There are many natural treatments that can reverse both these issues without surgery, LEEP, or cryotherapy. From a naturopathic perspective, the body has the ability to deal with this virus and “clear” it completely.

The risks of Gardasil do not outweigh the possible benefits, and it is far too risky to consider giving this vaccine to our girls. Gardasil won’t protect your child against herpes or HIV so talk to them about sex and educate them on the benefits of using condoms.

The contents of this blog, including text, graphics, images and other material, are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please seek the counsel of an ALETRIS physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment.