Women who have more than five sexual partners are at increased risk of developing cervical abnormalities that could become cancerous, recent study results suggest. Having multiple sexual partners significantly increases a woman’s risk of being infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is believed to play a role in the development of nearly all cervical cancers. However, researchers at the University of California found that having more than five sexual partners was an independent risk factor for precancerous cervical abnormalities. The reasons for this remain unclear, although the researchers speculate that other sexually transmitted diseases not currently linked to cervical cancer could be to blame.
SOURCE/REFERENCE: Reported by www.reutershealth.com on the 7th May 2002
