Does having multiple sex partners increase my risk of cervical cancer?

Dear Curious,  

Understanding the relationship between sexual decisions and their impact on health outcomes can be complex, so great job on asking some smart questions! Having sex with one thousand men once places you at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer than having sex with one man one thousand times. This is because more sexual partners increase the chances of exposure to human papillomavirus (HPV), which is the leading cause of cervical cancer. Read on to learn more about HPV, cervical cancer, and risk factors.  

What is HPV and how can you get it? 

HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In fact, almost 80 percent of sexually active women are exposed to HPV during their lives. It’s typically spread through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity (oral, anal, or vaginal).  

Interestingly, there are over 200 different strains of HPV. In most cases, the infection clears on its own through the body's natural immune response. Many people never find out that they have been infected because usually there are no physical symptoms. However, some strains are higher risk than others and can lead to persistent infections, which cause most cervical cancer cases.  

What is cervical cancer? 

Cervical cancer is caused by an abnormal growth of cells in the cervix. It occurs when someone has a persistent infection of a high-risk type of HPV. The infection can cause changes in the cervical cell’s DNA. Those cells multiply and may lead to a mass, or tumor, in the cervix. If undiagnosed and untreated, cervical cancer can spread to different areas of the body and become more dangerous.   

Typically, symptoms of cervical cancer don’t appear until later stages of progression. So, regular testing (via HPV testing and Pap smears) is the most effective way to detect and treat cervical cancer if necessary.  

What are the risk factors of cervical cancer? 

The main risk factor for cervical cancer is persistent HPV infection. Having multiple sexual partners and unprotected sexual activity increases the risk of HPV exposure. However, most people who are exposed to HPV don’t end up getting cervical cancer. Researchers found that the following factors increase the risk for cervical cancer, even after controlling for HPV infection: 

• Having more than one STI (HIV, chlamydia, trichomonas vaginalis). Having multiple sexually transmitted infections can weaken the immune system, making it harder for your body to protect against cancerous cell growth.  
• Chronic smoking. Smoking cigarettes often and over many years can damage cellular DNA and hinder the body’s natural immune response, increasing the risk and progression of cervical cancer.  
• Pregnancy at an early age and multiple pregnancies. This may lead to damage to cervical tissues and hormonal changes that increase the body’s susceptibility to HPV and cancerous growth.  
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): Research has shown a relationship between RA and cervical cancer, likely due to a compromised immune system.  
• Number of sexual partners: As the number of sexual partners increases, so does the risk of exposure to HPV, other STI’s, and pregnancy, all of which increase the risk of cervical cancer. 

How can you protect yourself and others from HPV and cervical cancer? 

There are several ways to protect yourself from contracting HPV or cervical cancer: 

• HPV vaccine: This protects against many of the high-risk types of HPV. It is usually recommended to get the vaccine around the ages of 11 to 12, typically before becoming sexually active. This is the most effective form of prevention.  
• Barrier methods: Using condoms or dental dams during sexual activity can protect you from being exposed to or transmitting an HPV infection.   
• Cervical cancer screenings: Most people with cervixes are recommended to get a HPV test (sometimes called a Pap smear) every three years between the ages of 21 and 65. A health care provider can help you decide how often to get tested and which test makes the most sense for you. 

Understanding your risk and taking preventative action are two of the best ways to protect yourself. Hopefully, this has helped you feel more confident as you continue to ask the right questions and make informed decisions about your health! 

Your friend,