What Causes Cervical Cancer?
Almost all cervical cancer begins as an infection from a virus
called human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is sexually
transmitted. It is common in women and men. Cervical
cancer is not caused by poor hygiene after sex.
What is HPV? Human papillomavirus (pap-ih-LO-ma-
VYE-rus) is a virus that is sexually transmitted. There
are more than 100 different kinds of HPV. Some of them
produce noncancerous warts. Some types of HPV are
related to cervical cancer. A Pap test can detect early
cell changes caused by HPV before they lead to cervical
cancer. |
"I always use a condom. Should I
worry about getting HPV?"
|
Doctor Nguyen:
"A condom does not
effectively protect against HPV. Even when
a condom is used, HPV can be transmitted
through sexual contact, including vaginal
and anal intercourse, finger to genital
contact and finger to anal contact."
|
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