Unprotected Sex Causes Cervical Cancer – Gynaecologist

An Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Consultant, Dr. Olaleye Olalekan, has warned women against unprotected sex and multiple sexual partners, saying it causes Human Papilloma Virus, which always leads to cervical cancer..

Speaking at a health awareness seminar on the theme, “Prevention and Early Detection of Cervical Cancer,” organised by Lagoon Hospitals in Lagos on Friday, Olaleye said the disease is sexually transmitted  and  peculiar to women.

According to him, abnormal menstrual bleeding, bleeding during sexual contact or after menopause remain the symptoms of cervical cancer over the years.
“Human Papilloma Virus, which is responsible for cervical cancer, genital warts and vaginal, vulvar, anal and penile cancers is the most common sexually transmitted disease, infecting about 80 per cent of young women within five years of becoming sexually active. An estimated 630 million women worldwide are infected.

“This virus is spread during sex from contact with the sores, or lesions, that develop around infected cells.

“Often, the virus is killed by the immune system, but in some people HPV can take hold and cause lesions that can turn cancerous years later,” he noted.

Olaleye, however, urged women observing symptoms of HPV to seek medical attention early to avoid complications. He added, “HPV vaccines are always recommended in pre-pubertal girls.

“Also surgery and radiotherapy are other remedies that are suitable for cervical cancer if the victim seeks medical rescue as early as possible.”

Earlier, the Managing Director, Lagoon Hospitals, Ikeja, Dr. Olajide Ojo, stated that the hospital decided to intervene and educate the public on salient health issues due to increasing late presentation of terminal diseases.

Ojo admonished Nigerians to prioritise their health and not allow the cost of medi-care  to discourage them from seeking quality care.

Source: PUNCH