10 tips for recognizing and reducing cervical cancer risks

When you're sexually active, you owe it to yourself, and your partners, to maintain good sexual health. Following these 10 tips for recognizing and reducing risks of developing cervical cancer is a good place to start.

If you've resumed an active sex life with new partners here's something to consider: Your knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) may be dangerously out of date. Some doctors are beginning to report an upswing in STD infections in their older patients. The rules for safe sex have changed radically in the past 15 years.

The more sexual partners a woman has had, the higher her odds for developing cervical cancer at any age. Cervical cancer is caused by some strains of the human papilloma virus (HPV). A persistent, silent infection could linger for years before the cancer is discovered: Slightly more than 20 percent of women with cervical cancer are diagnosed when they are over 65 years old.

Your odds for developing cervical cancer after an HPV infection double if:

• You're also a smoker
• You ever used oral contraceptives for five years or longer
• You've given birth to several children
• Your mother or sisters have had cervical cancer
• You've had any illness that lowers your immunity

• Both a PAP smear and an HPV check are imperative to detect cervical health issues
• PAP smears test for early warning signs of cervical cancer, but can miss precancerous cells
• HPV test looks for the actual cause of cervical cancer: the 13 potential strains of this nasty, carcinogenic virus
• If you test positive, you can have infected cells removed early, before damage is done

• Even if you are not currently sexually active or you have negative PAP and HPV results, get tested
• It takes at least three years for a new HPV infection to begin causing cells to change in precancerous ways
• Cutting-edge cervical cancer screening guidelines suggest that rechecks every three years, with another PAP and another HPV, can catch problems

Studies are underway to see if this vaccine helps prevent the development of cervical cancer in women up to age 55. Check with your doctor about its effectiveness for you.

If you are over 70 years old and have had three or more normal PAP tests in a row in the past 10 years plus at least one negative HPV test — and you have had no new sexual partners in at least 3 years — it may be safe to stop cervical cancer screenings. Ask your doctor.

Your doc may not realize that you're sexually active. Tell her if you've had new sexual partners or are in a new relationship so that she knows to be concerned about sexual health issues.

Call your doctor if you develop:

• Rashes
• Blisters
• Sores
• Itching
• Pain
• Fever
• Discomfort during sex
• Unusual discharge

Studies suggest that getting plenty of the powerful antioxidant beta-carotene — from food, not supplements — may cut your risk for developing cervical cancer.

Sexually active again? Don't be fooled by the proverbial wisdom of your age: Your odds for contracting an STD are not much different than those of a teen or 20-year-old who's just becoming sexually active.

• You'll need condoms (even if risk of pregnancy is nil)
• Ask your partners about their sexual health: Are you HIV-negative? Do you have herpes or other STDs? Have you had other sexual partners recently?
• If you don't like the answers — or trust them — it's still okay to say no

Whether you're sexually active for the first time or returning to an active sex life, your health and safety are always a priority. With knowledge, precautions and testing for cervical cancer and STDs you can enjoy the healthy sex life you deserve.