I started having sex and taking the pill when I was 14. Does that mean Im at higher risk of cervical cancer, or did it harm my developing organs because I was so young?
Starting to have sex at a young age is associated with a higher risk of cervical cancer (and of precancerous changes in the cells of the cervix) because these conditions are associated with the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is sexually transmitted. Young womens cervices may also be more susceptible to HPV. Although a higher risk of cervical cancer has been observed in pill-users, this association seems to be related to a reduced condom use when a woman starts the pill, rather than an effect of the pill itself. Some other risk factors are multiple sexual partners, smoking, or a deficient immune system. Using condoms can reduce (but not completely prevent) transmission of the papillomavirus by reducing the contact between genital skin and bodily fluids. The good news is that cervical cancer is almost completely preventable by Pap smear screening. A Pap smear is designed to pick up small precancerous changes in the cervical cells, which can be treated before they have a chance to beco
