Beyond “Watch and Wait”: A Revolutionary Path Forward with HPV

Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection, has long been a cause for concern in women’s health. It affects nearly 80% of women in the United States, manifesting in various strains. While a healthy immune response typically leads to the natural clearance of most HPV infections, certain high-risk strains pose a risk for HPV-related cancers, including cervical, vulvar, oropharyngeal, anal and rectal cancers. Despite not all strains carrying such risks, many women diagnosed with HPV are left feeling helpless, disempowered and burdened by feelings of shame associated with this condition.  

An HPV diagnosis can be a daunting and isolating experience. Often faced with uncertainty of the impact this infection has on their health, women are left with limited guidance from their health care providers, beyond the classic “watch and wait” approach in early-stage cases before conventional treatments are warranted. What if we didn’t have to passively wait for this diagnosis to clear, worsen or progress to something more serious, such as cervical cancer? What if there was something women could do in the meantime to be proactive with their health?  

“There is a revolutionary paradigm shift in early-stage HPV care that is empowering women to be proactive with their health,” says Dr. Elizabeth Goldspink, ND. “While screening and prevention strategies such as routine pap smears and vaccination remain very important, it is time to explore an additional proactive approach that considers the whole person. We can combine these known approaches with evidence-based, complementary ones that can help women find strength, support and hope in their journey towards a healthier future.” 

Despite how common HPV is amongst both men and women, the virus is still deeply misunderstood and carries a stigma that makes it difficult to speak openly about. The shock of an HPV diagnosis as well as the subsequent uncomfortable diagnostic and treatment procedures can leave women feeling isolated and alone in their experiences. It is essential to help women recognize that they are far from alone. 13 million people are diagnosed with HPV each year in the United States. According to the CDC, 4 out of every 5 women will encounter an HPV infection in their lifetime. Men, while not routinely tested, are also at a significant risk.  

It’s not all bad news… 

The natural clearance of most HPV infections is a testament to a strong and healthy immune system, however a small percentage of infections persist and do not clear on their own. The long term effects of infections that do not clear on their own can lead to advanced cellular changes, driving over 90% of cancers that affect the cervix, the head, neck, throat, mouth, vagina, penis and anus.  

Building a strong and resilient immune system is a foundational step in responding to HPV, effectively. Though we don’t have a cure for HPV, we do have tools that can help the body respond to persistent HPV, minimizing our risks in the long term. 

A Complementary Approach to HPV 

Human clinical data provides support for the effectiveness of natural compounds in responding to persistent HPV infections. These powerful compounds include folate, broccoli sprout extract and AHCC, an extract of medicinal mushroom commonly known as shiitake.  

Folate 

A vital water-soluble B vitamin, has been linked to a reduced risk of positive HPV status and the progression of abnormal cervical cells into cancer, in human studies. Folic acid, in its active form folate, is crucial for regulating persistent HPV. Some foods that are rich in folate include dark leafy green vegetables, nuts, and beans.  

Broccoli sprout extract 

Indole-3-carbinol, DIM and Sulforaphane are powerful metabolites found in the broccoli family of vegetables that support the body in the repair of DNA damage. Some foods aside from broccoli and broccoli sprouts that contain high levels of these metabolites include cabbage, brussel sprouts, and kale.  

AHCC® 

AHCC is one of the most well-researched nutritional supplements in the world, backed by over 20 human clinical trials and 50 published papers. It is a proprietary compound of the medicinal mushroom, shiitake, which provides daily immune support and improves the body’s response to infection. A recent phase II clinical trial found that supplemental AHCC daily for 6 months cleared 64% of high-risk HPV infections in humans. 

There’s an alternative to “watch and wait” in early stages 

Papillex is a revolutionary dietary supplement, meticulously formulated based on clinical evidence, containing therapeutic dosages of the folate and broccoli sprout metabolites above, along with other evidence-based compounds such as zinc sulfate and green tea extract, further bolstering the body’s response to HPV. This complementary approach aims to strengthen normal, healthy immune function in the face of HPV, empowering women to reclaim their health.  

“I created Papillex as a clinical intern when my friend was diagnosed with HPV over 15 years ago and her condition persisted,” explains Dr. Goldspink. “In an effort to be proactive, I combined comprehensive research from medical databases with the best available clinical evidence and put together a bundle of 10 safe and well-researched natural supplements.”  

A few months later, Dr. Goldspink says, “her positive HPV status cleared.” This was when the idea of combining these ingredients into one blend came to life, and Papillex was born. Papillex was designed to be supportive to conventional treatments and not an alternative to them. 

In addition to supplementation, diet and lifestyle practices are essential for a strong immune system. Focusing on the pillars of health – good sleep, whole-foods based diet, and daily movement are all part of this proactive approach to supporting health in the face of a persistent HPV infection.  

As women unite in their journey with HPV, it is time we rewrite the narrative of passive ‘watching and waiting’, and embrace a whole-body approach to HPV care. It is also time to erase the stigma of an HPV diagnosis so that open conversation on this topic can become the norm. By empowering women to take control of their health by combining conventional and complementary strategies, they can find strength, resilience and hope. Together, we can foster an environment of support and understanding, where women are equipped with the knowledge and resources to navigate this journey and respond to HPV proactively.  

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.