The relationship between sexual behavior and cervical cancer

The incidence of cervical cancer is so high, so what are the causes of cervical cancer? Scientists have found that cervical cancer may be related to the following factors:

1. Viral infection

Herpes simplex virus type 2, human papillomavirus (HPV), human cytomegalovirus and fungal infections may be related to the occurrence of cervical cancer. Persistent infection with high-risk HPV is the main risk factor for cervical cancer. More than 90% of cervical cancers are accompanied by high-risk HPV infection.

2. Sexual activity and birth frequency

Multiple sexual partners, first sexual intercourse before the age of 16, young age of first birth, and multiple pregnancies are closely related to the occurrence of cervical cancer. The incidence of cervical cancer in women who have early sexual activity (i.e., having sexual activity before the age of 18) is four times higher than that in women who start having sexual activity after the age of 18. Women who start sexual life early and suffer from sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis and gonorrhea are six times more likely to develop cervical cancer than normal women. It has been confirmed that if women have sexual relations with multiple men, they have a greater chance of developing cervical cancer. Virgins rarely get cervical cancer. Unmarried and nulliparous women have very little chance of developing cervical cancer, and the incidence of cervical cancer is also higher in women who have married multiple times. Multiple births and poor perinatal maintenance and delivery process will also increase the incidence of cervical cancer. However, multiple births do not increase the incidence of cervical cancer.

3. Other biological factors

Infections with pathogens such as Chlamydia trachomatis, herpes simplex virus type II, and Trichomonas have a synergistic effect in the pathogenesis of cervical cancer caused by high-risk HPV infection.

4. Other behavioral factors

Smoking, as a co-factor of HPV infection, can increase the risk of cervical cancer. In addition, malnutrition and poor sanitary conditions can also affect the occurrence of the disease.