Frequently asked questions

HPV stands for Human Papillomavirus. It is a very common virus transmitted through sexual contact. There are more than 200 types, of which a number of 'high-risk' types (especially HPV 16 and 18) are associated with cervical cancer. The virus occurs in 80-90% of all sexually active people.

HPV is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, especially during sexual contact. A condom offers protection but not completely, because the virus is also present on skin not covered by the condom. The virus is so common that it is almost impossible to determine when or from whom you contracted it.

In 80-85% of women, the immune system clears the virus itself within 1 to 2 years. In 15-20%, a so-called persistent infection develops, where the virus remains present longer. In that case, it is important to support the immune system and monitor the situation closely.

This is a frequently asked question. After treatment, it is possible that your partner still carries the virus and reinfects you. Therefore, we advise looking at the partner as well. Condom use can reduce the chance of reinfection. You can read more about this on our page about HPV in men.

Yes, HPV is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). It is by far the most common STD. Important to know: having HPV says nothing about your sexual behavior or your relationship. Almost everyone gets it at some point in their life.

The PAP classification indicates what the cells of your cervix look like. PAP 1 is normal, PAP 2 indicates minor abnormalities (often due to inflammation), PAP 3a points to mild to moderate abnormalities, PAP 3b to more abnormal cells, and PAP 4 and 5 to severe abnormalities. The higher the number, the more the cells deviate from normal.

CIN stands for Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia and describes the severity of the cell abnormalities. CIN 1 means mild abnormalities in the upper part of the mucosa. CIN 2 are moderate abnormalities that reach deeper. CIN 3 are severe abnormalities across the full thickness of the mucosa. CIN 1 and CIN 2 can sometimes recover on their own; with CIN 3, treatment is necessary.

A PAP 3a result is understandably frightening, but it is important to know that this is a precursor and not cancer. In many cases, the body can repair these abnormalities, especially with the right support. We recommend taking action instead of just waiting. Read more on our page about PAP 3a.

The process from CIN to cervical cancer takes an average of 10 to 15 years. This gives you plenty of time to intervene. Not all CIN abnormalities develop into cancer. Many cases of CIN 1 and CIN 2 recover spontaneously or with support of the immune system.

The escharotic treatment is a local treatment of the cervix where a tincture (containing, among other things, turmeric and zinc chloride) is applied to the abnormal cells. The treatment selectively destroys cells with the HPV virus while healthy tissue remains intact. No scar tissue is formed, unlike a LEEP procedure.

On average, 10 treatments are required, but this depends on multiple factors and the immune system. Therefore, we can never predict exactly how many treatments you will need in advance.

Most women experience the escharotic treatment as mildly uncomfortable, similar to a smear test. The tincture is applied briefly (1-2 minutes) and then carefully removed. No anesthesia is required, and you can resume your daily activities immediately after the treatment.

No, our treatment is complementary to regular care and does not replace it. You remain under the care of your own general practitioner (GP) and/or gynecologist. For CIN 3, gynecological treatment (LEEP procedure/conization) is always necessary. In that case, we can provide supportive care.

The treatments are performed by Jose van Ditmarsch and/or the practice assistant, general practitioner (GP), and complementary working physician. She is BIG-registered and affiliated with the AVIG (Association of Physicians for Integrative Medicine). Jose learned the escharotic treatment in America and has years of experience.

You can contact us by phone or email. Kim is our point of contact and will be happy to help you schedule an appointment. You do not need a referral.

We have two locations: Bonnerveen 32 in Gieterveen (9511 PN, Drenthe) and Huizermaatweg 15 in Huizen (1273 NA, Noord-Holland). When scheduling your appointment, you can indicate which location you prefer.

The duration of the program varies per person. On average, a program lasts a few months with weekly treatment.

The telephone intake for HPV costs €60.00. HPV treatments €60.00-€85.00. General consultations and coaching €100.00. First extensive consultation on location €150.00.

The treatment falls under complementary care and is not reimbursed by basic insurance. Some supplemental insurance policies reimburse (part of) the costs. Inquire with your health insurer about reimbursement for complementary medicine by a BIG-registered physician.

Yes, you will receive an invoice after each consultation or treatment. You can submit this to your health insurer if you have supplemental insurance for complementary care.