Cervical dysplasia is considered to be a pre-cancerous condition. Mild dysplasia can disappear on its own or it can be the first step towards cervical cancer . The exact cause of cervical dysplasia is not known, but a number of different factors have been identified. Other risk factors for the development of cervical dysplasia include unprotected sex at an early age, unprotected sex with many partners, and becoming pregnant before age 20. However, exactly how these risk factors are connected to cervical dysplasia is unknown.
Smoking also increases the risk of developing cervical dysplasia.
Having annual Pap smear tests is crucial for detecting and monitoring cervical dysplasia. Dysplasia can occur at any age from puberty onward. It's usually found in women between the ages of 25 and 35. When a Pap smear test reveals cervical dysplasia, another Pap smear is usually ordered to confirm the first test result. If abnormal cells are still present, a procedure called a colposcopy may be performed.