• Question: IS it true that when a person is used to having sex,and stays for long without doing it will she get a cancer

    Asked by 229ylwj1724 to Byron, David, Esther, Henry, Jacquie on 4 Jul 2017.
    • Photo: Jacquie Oliwa

      Jacquie Oliwa answered on 4 Jul 2017:


      Hi there..
      There is no evidence to support that abstinence from sex is associated with cancer.

      However, cancer of the cervix has been associated with a virus called Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and infection can be transmitted during sexual intercourse. Infection with HPV can cause changes in the cells of the cervix (the part of the womb that opens up to the vagina). These changes can become cancerous (when the cells multiply out of control and displace other normal cells).

      If you are a sexually active woman, it is advised that you see a doctor to do a test called a pap smear and HPV test that can tell if you have had HPV infection and whether your cells in the cervix have changes that could be cancerous. If you are not sexually active, there is a vaccine that your doctor can give you that can protect you from HPV infection and reduce your chances of getting cancer of the cervix.

      HPV infection is very common, so anyone who is sexually active is at risk. But not everyone who gets HPV will get cancer. Also note that a condom can not completely protect you from HPV (but it can protect you from other sexually transmitted infections).

      I hope that answers your question!
      Best wishes,
      Jacquie

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