Because the cause of cervical dysplasia is not fully understood, there is no sure way to prevent it. However, the risk of developing cervical dysplasia may be reduced by:

• Getting annual Pap smears. Although this will not prevent cervical dysplasia, it will aid in its early diagnosis. Patients should continue to get Pap smears even if they are not sexually active.
  
  
• Deferring sexual activity until age 18 or older. The cervix of a younger woman is not fully mature and is therefore more susceptible to disease.
  
  
• Practicing sexual monogamy. This reduces the risk of getting a sexually transmitted disease (STD), including the human papillomavirus (HPV), which has been linked to cervical dysplasia. However, someone who has sex with only one partner still can get HPV.
  
  
• Being aware of sexual history of partners, including STDs.  However, this will not necessarily prevent HPV, because the infection is so common and often remains undetected in individuals.
  
  
• Practicing safe sex, such as using a condom. This reduces the risk of HPV infection, which has been linked to cervical dysplasia.
  
  
• Considering alternatives to birth control pills. Long term use (greater than five years) has been associated with cervical dysplasia. Women should discuss using an alternative birth control method with their physician if they have been taking the pill for an extended period of time.
  
  
• Quitting smoking. Rates of cervical dysplasia are higher in women who smoke.
  
  
• Eating a diet rich in folate from fruits and vegetables. Some research has shown that eating folate may improve the cellular changes seen in cervical dysplasia by lowering levels of homocysteine (a substance believed to contribute to the severity of cervical dysplasia).