Sex?— A Healthy Sexuality Resource - Government of Nova Scotia
Sex?— A Healthy Sexuality Resource - Government of Nova Scotia
Sex?— A Healthy Sexuality Resource - Government of Nova Scotia
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•Having unprotected sexHaving sex without a condom or oral dam increases the risk for alltypes <strong>of</strong> sexually transmitted infection, including HPV.•Having more than one sexual partnerThe more sexual partners, the greater the risk <strong>of</strong> contracting STIs,including HPV.• SmokingSmoking has been proven to cause lung cancer and is also linkedto cancer <strong>of</strong> the cervix. Chemicals from cigarettes travel in thebloodstream and have shown up in the Pap tests <strong>of</strong> smokers.These chemicals can trigger abnormal changes in a cervix that isnot yet fully developed.•Not having regular Pap TestsThis is the biggest risk factor for developing cervical cancer. Ifchanges aren’t detected, abnormal cells may become cancerousand eventually spread to other parts <strong>of</strong> the body.Useful InformationA Pap test is not the same as an STI test.Even if you have regular Pap tests, you stillneed STI tests if you are sexually active. You’ll find moreinformation about the STI test on page 48.Within 3 years <strong>of</strong> starting tohave sex, or when a girlreaches the age <strong>of</strong> 21, sheneeds to start having regularPap Tests to check forchanges in cervical cellsbefore they becomecancerous.101
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