Question on cervical cancer?

I started having sex at age 17.But I used a condom and was protected.And i get pap tests.Will using condoms reduce my risk of getting cervical cancer by stopping the infection from going into my vaginal canal?

Sure cannot hurt.

uhhh you should go get that cervical cancer shot thingyy

it may reduce it SLIGHTLY, but it will most certainly not prevent it.

Most cervical dysplasia (the cellular change that the Pap test checks for, a possible precursor to cervical cancer) is caused by the Human Papilloma Virus, which is sexually transmitted. Yes, using condoms will reduce your risk of contracting HPV, along with most other STDs. You can also ask your doctor about the Gardisil vaccine, which protects against the strains of HPV which are most likely to cause dysplasia. Keep using condoms and keep getting regular Paps; those are your two best defenses against cervical cancer.

an infection is only one cause of cervical cancer!

In general, condoms reduce transmission of STD's which can directly correlate to a reduction in transmission of HPV.

In specific...

Cervical cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. Cervical cancer is often caused by several types of viruses called human papillomaviruses (HPV). HPV spreads through sexual contact.

鈥?Anyone who has any kind of sexual activity involving genital contact with an infected person can get HPV鈥?intercourse isn't necessary.

You can treat early cervical cell changes (dysplasia), which can reduce your risk for cervical cancer . You can also reduce your risk factors for abnormal cell changes.

*Have regular Pap test screening
The Pap test is the most effective screening test for cervical cancer. Pap tests done at regular intervals almost always detect cervical cell changes before the changes become cancerous. Regular screening for and treatment of cervical cell abnormalities can prevent the abnormal cell changes from developing into cancer.

*Quit smoking
Women who smoke have a higher risk of developing cervical cell changes that cause an abnormal Pap test. The reason for this is not fully understood, but quitting smoking may decrease this risk. Not smoking has many other health benefits. Nonsmokers have a lower risk of other cancers and heart disease.3

*Reduce your risk of a sexually transmitted disease (STD)
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) often cause abnormal Pap tests and can lead to other serious health problems. Preventing a sexually transmitted disease (STD) is easier than treating an infection once it occurs. The most common cause of cervical cancer is infection with a high-risk type of the human papillomavirus (HPV) . Since the HPV virus may remain in body cells for life, abnormal cervical cell changes that cause cervical cancer can be the result of either you or your partner having had an HPV infection years earlier. HPV infection usually does not cause symptoms, so you or your partner may not be aware of a current or past HPV infection.
To reduce your risk, talk with your partner about STDs before beginning a sexual relationship. Find out if he or she is at risk for an STD. Remember that it is quite possible to be infected with an STD without knowing it. Some STDs, such as HIV , can take up to 6 months before they are detected in the blood.

*Be responsible. Avoid sexual contact if you have symptoms of an STD or are being treated for an STD.
Avoid all intimate sexual contact with anyone who has symptoms of an STD or who may have been exposed to an STD. Don't have more than one sex partner at a time. Your risk for an STD increases if you have several sex partners at the same time. Use male or female condoms to reduce the risk of getting an STD. Abstaining from sexual intercourse is the only certain way to prevent exposure to STDs.

No, not at all. You can receive the human papilloma virus (HP V) from more than just intercourse. There currently is a medical shot called Gardasil, that is administered during a 3 treatment, 3 month course. This is your best shot to avoid the contraction of anyone of the four types of HP V that causes cervical cancer. If you have any further questions or doubts I highly encourage you to consult your physician. Hope this Helps.