$Unique_ID{BRK00192}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Do Condoms and Diaphragms Decrease Risk of Cervical Cancer?}
$Subject{cancers cervix condom virus Genitourinary lifestyle lifestyles
Condoms Diaphragms Diaphragm Cervical Cancer neoplasm neoplasms barrier
contraceptives contraceptive contraception contraceptions spermicidal cream
spermicide foam foams jelly jellies sexually transmitted diseases std venereal
disease vd virus human papillomavirus}
$Volume{B-14,J-23}
$Log{
Diseases of the Female Reproductive System*0009001.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Do Condoms and Diaphragms Decrease Risk of Cervical Cancer?


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QUESTION:  Do condoms and diaphragms really decrease the risk of cervical
cancer?

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ANSWER:  Yes, barrier contraceptives (condoms, diaphragms, spermicidal cream,
foam, or jelly) can reduce the risk of cervical cancer.  Cancer of the cervix
is thought to be caused by a sexually transmitted virus called human
papillomavirus.  Women who have had early intercourse, more sexual partners
before age 20, who douched frequently, and who smoke are at greater risk for
developing this form of cancer.
     A study done in Los Angeles several years ago found that women who used
condoms and/or spermicides for ten years or more had over 66% fewer cases of
cervical cancer than women who did not use such contraception.  Women who used
diaphragms with spermicide also had reduced risk, but the reduction was not as
great when diaphragms alone were used.  The reduction in risk was inversely
proportional to the number of years that condoms, diaphragms, or spermicides
were used.  The theory behind this effect is that the spermicide kills the
virus, while the barrier keeps it away from the cervix.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.