Risk factors for developing cervical cancer include early age of sexual debut, having multiple sexual partners, high number of full-term pregnancies, smoking, long term use of oral contraceptive pills, a weak immune system and presence of other sexually transmitted infections such as Chlamydia or gonorrhea. “Condoms do not necessary for transmission of this disease because the virus can live on the skin of the genital and pubic area, hence skin to skin genital contact, oral and manual manipulation are enough to transmit the virus. HPV can also be transmitted via contaminated clothing and HPV-infected cells shed during intercourse.”
Abnormal or irregular vaginal bleeding, pain during sex and vaginal discharge may already be symptoms of a more advance case. Other signs to watch out for include pelvic pain not related to your menstrual cycle, heavy or unusual discharge that may be watery, thick and possibly have a foul odor, increased urinary frequency, pain or difficulty during urination and bowel movement.