The cervix is the lower part of the female reproductive system that connects the uterus to the vagina. Cancer that starts in the cervix is known as cervical cancer. Most commonly, it can occur due to HPV- human papillomavirus- a sexually transmitted infection.
To prevent cervical cancer, you should undergo regular screening for it and get the vaccination done that helps prevent human papillomavirus infection. If you have any signs and symptoms of cervical cancer, you should visit a gynecologist in Lahore.
What Are The Signs and Symptoms of Cervical Cancer?
In the early stages, cervical cancer does not produce any signs and symptoms. In the advanced stages, it may show up as:
- Vaginal bleeding between menstrual cycle, after intercourse, or after menopause.
- Bloody or watery discharge from the vagina that may be having a foul odor
- Pain in the pelvis
- Pain during or after sex
- A need to urinate frequently
- Pain during urination
What Are the Causes for Cervical Cancer?
The healthy cells grow in an organized manner in a certain pattern. But when a gene mutation occurs, they start to replicate haphazardly in an unorganized way, eventually causing cancer. There is no exact cause for genetic mutation. However, the human papillomavirus- HPV can play a role in causing it.
What Are The Risks for Cervical Cancer?
Risk factors for cervical cancer can be:
Various Sexual Partners
Having more than one sexual partner can put you at risk of getting infected with human papillomavirus. It can, in turn, increase the risk of cervical cancer for you. Therefore you must practice the right contraception method to prevent infections.
Sex at the Young Age
Being sexually active at a young age can increase the risk of cervical cancer for you.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Sexually transmitted diseases or STDs is a group of conditions that are transmitted sexually from one partner to another. They can occur due to organisms such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and syphilis. STDs can increase the chances of cervical cancer for you.
Weak Immune System
Having a weak immune system along with the human papillomavirus can increase the risk of cervical cancer for you. The immune system can get weak due to other health conditions or immunosuppressant medications such as long-term corticosteroids and azathioprine.
Smoking
Smoking cigarettes can raise the risk of cervical cancer.
Getting Exposed to Miscarriage Prevention Drug
If your mother took a drug to prevent miscarriage called diehtylbesterol in the 1950s, it can put you at risk of cervical cancer. It is a type of estrogen, now not used commonly for women.
Birth Control Pills
Taking birth control pills for more than five years can put you at risk of cervical cancer. You must consult with your healthcare provider about the appropriate contraception method for yourself.
What Are The Prevention Methods for Cervical Cancer?
For the prevention of cervical cancer, the following tips can help:
Get an HPV Vaccine
To protect yourself from cervical cancer, you need to prevent the human papillomavirus. For that, you can get a vaccine. Ask your healthcare provider to prescribe a vaccine against human papillomavirus, especially if you are at risk of it.
Regular Screening
To know the health of your cervix, the healthcare providers perform a pap smear test. It can tell about the proliferative pattern of your cervical cells. Therefore it helps in the prevention of cervical cancer. You can get it done at the age of 21 and then repeating every few years.
Safe Sex
Use a condom whenever you have sex to lower the risk of sexually transmitted infections. Moreover, limiting the number of partners can help with that too.
No Smoking
If you smoke, quit it as soon as possible. Do not do that abruptly. You need to taper it off. Seek professional help if you are unable to do that on your own. If you are at risk of cervical cancer, visit oladoc.com for more information.