What is the relationship between the combined oral contraceptive pill and cancer of the cervix?
Sexual activity and number of partners are the factors that have large impacts on the incidence of pre-malignant and malignant conditions of the cervix (neck of the womb - Q32.16). The sheath (condom) provides mechanical protection not only against pregnancy but also against sexually transmitted disease. It prevents transmission of the human papilloma virus believed to be responsible for cervical cancer. It may be that the early studies suggesting that the combined oral contraceptive pill increased the risk were only reflecting the prevention of transmission of the virus with the barrier method.
There has been a suggestion that the combined oral contraceptive pill may increase the chance of pre-malignant conditions of the cervix developing in women at risk but this remains an area of debate requiring more data. There is no reason to stop the combined oral contraceptive pill if you have been found to have an abnormal smear test provided appropriate investigations and treatment are undertaken (Pap Test).
Related Medical Abstracts - Click on the paper title:-
- Cervical cancer and hormonal contraceptives: collaborative reanalysis of individual data for 16,573 women with cervical cancer and 35,509 women without cervical cancer from 24 epidemiological studies.
- Cervical cancer and use of hormonal contraceptives: a systematic review. (2003-01)
- Effect of oral contraceptives on risk of cervical cancer in women with human papillomavirus infection: the IARC multicentric case-control study. (2002-01)
Please click on the required question.
- 1 What is an oral contraceptive?
- 2 How popular are oral contraceptive pills?
- 3 What are the benefits of the combined oral contraceptive pill?
- 4 Will the combined oral contraceptive pill improve my periods?
- 5 Could the combined oral contraceptive pill change my libido (sex drive)
- 6 What are the risks of taking combined oral contraceptive pills?
- 7 What side effects could I have whilst taking the combined oral contraceptive pill?
- 8 What is the effect of the combined oral contraceptive pill on body weight?
- 9 Will the combined oral contraceptive pill increase my vaginal discharge?
- 10 Does the combined oral contraceptive pill increase the chance of pelvic infections?
- 11 What is the relationship between the combined oral contraceptive pill and fibroids?
- 12 Could a combined oral contraceptive pill increase my blood pressure?
- 13 Do combined oral contraceptive pills have any effect on the blood?
- 14 What is the relationship between the combined oral contraceptive pill and thromboembolism?
- 15 What is the relationship between the combined oral contraceptive pill and heart attacks?
- 16 What is the relationship between the combined oral contraceptive pill and strokes?
- 17 Does the combined oral contraceptive pill affect the breasts?
- 18 Could I feel depressed as a result of taking the combined oral contraceptive pill?
- 19 What is the relationship between the combined oral contraceptive pill and cancer of the ovary?
- 20 What is the relationship between the combined oral contraceptive pill and cancer of the uterus?
- 21 What is the relationship between the combined oral contraceptive pill and cancer of the cervix?
- 22 What is the relationship between the combined oral contraceptive pill and cancer of the breast?
- 23 Family Planning Support Groups.
- 24 Support Groups.
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This is the personal website of David A Viniker MD FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Whipps Cross University Hospital, London - Specialist Interests - Reproductive Medicine including Infertility, PCOS, PMS, Menopause and HRT.
I do hope that you find the answers to your women's health questions in the patient information and medical advice provided.
