Cervical Cancer and HPV

Circumcision as a deterrent for cervical cancer has received much publicity. This resulted from a book published in the early 1960's by Dr. S.I. McMillen who concluded that cancer of the cervix was linked to uncircumcised partners and that the Old Testament provided God-given protection against such affliction. What was not included in the research was the sexual behavior of women who tended to acquire cervical cancer. Indeed, it was later acknowledged that multiple sexual partners and intercourse at a young age were the primary influential factors in acquiring cervical cancer. The circumcision status of the partners was not significant, a conclusion which Dr. McMillen acknowledged in the second edition of his book, None of These Diseases (McMillen, 1984). Any connection between cervical cancer and circumcision is dismissed in a statement by Grossman and Posner written in Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1981 They state, "No one today seriously promotes circumcision as a prophylactic against cancer of any form. No significant correlation between cancer and circumcision has ever been proved." (p 245)

Facts About HPV

HPV stands for human papillomavirus (pronounced pap ah LO mah), but there are actually more than 100 related viruses in this group. Each HPV virus is given a number or type. The term "papilloma" refers to a kind of wart that results from some HPV types.

HPV lives in the body's epithelial cells. These are flat and thin cells found on the skin's surface and also on the surface of the vagina, anus, vulva, cervix, penis head, mouth, and throat.

Of the 100 HPV types, about 60 types cause warts on areas such as the hands or feet. The other 40 or so types of HPV are sexually transmitted and are drawn to the body's mucous membranes, such as the moist layers around the anal and genital areas.
How HPV Spreads

These sexually-transmitted HPV viruses are spread through contact with infected genital skin, mucous membranes, or bodily fluids, and can be passed through intercourse and oral sex. HPV can infect skin not normally covered by a condom, so using a condom does not fully protect you from the virus. Also, many people don't realize they're infected with HPV and may have no symptoms, so neither sexual partner may realize that the virus is being spread.


You're more likely to get HPV if you

* Have sex at an early age
* Have many sex partners
* Have a sex partner who has had multiple partners


Reducing the Risk of Getting HPV

The only way to absolutely avoid the risk of HPV infection is to abstain from sex. You can also limit the number of sexual partners you have. And you can choose partners who've had few or no sexual partners before you. However, while a long-term monogamous relationship lowers your risk, it's important to remember that many people are infected and never know it.

http://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/hpv-genital-warts/hpv-virus-information-about-human-papillomavirus