Cervical cancer is a significant public health issue in India. Yet, there may be more cervical cancer facts that you are overlooking. HealthShots spoke with Dr Tejinder Kataria, head of the Radiation Oncology and Cancer Center at Medanta – The Medicity in Gurugram, to learn more about the link between cervical cancer and unprotected sex.
What exactly is cervical cancer?
As a woman, you are familiar with the cervix, which is the lower, thin end of the uterus (womb) that links the uterus to the vagina (birth canal). According to Dr. Kataria, cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix. She mentions that it is a serious health issue in India, with many women suffering as a result of late diagnosis.
How long after unprotected intercourse can you get cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer develops quite slowly, therefore you won’t know about cervical cancer straight after having unprotected sex. It might take years or even decades for aberrant alterations in the cervix to develop into invasive cancer cells. Cervical cancer may grow quicker in women with weakened immune systems, but it will still take at least five years.
Cervical cancer symptoms
The following early-stage cancer symptoms may develop in certain circumstances.
• Heavy or longer-than-normal periods after intercourse, between periods, and after menopause
• Pelvic discomfort or pain during intercourse
• Watery vaginal discharge with a strong odor or containing blood
Tips to prevent cervical cancer
- Vaccination is a must
- Regular screening to detect precancerous lesions on cervix
- Delaying first sexual intercourse until the late teens or older
- Limiting the number of sexual partners
- Practicing safer sex by using condoms and dental dams
- Avoiding sexual intercourse with people who have had many partners
- Avoiding sexual intercourse with people who are infected with genital warts or who show other symptoms
