3 Partner-Related Behaviors That May Influence Cervical Cancer Risk — And How to Protect Each Other

Understanding Risk, Respect, and Prevention in Cervical Health

Conversations about cervical cancer, HPV, and intimacy can feel sensitive, but they are essential for protecting long term health. The most important truth is this: prevention works best when it is shared, informed, and compassionate.

Not Using Protection Against Sexually Transmitted Infections

HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the world, and it spreads primarily through skin to skin genital contact, not only through intercourse. Because condoms do not cover all genital skin, they cannot eliminate HPV risk completely. However, they significantly reduce the transmission of high risk strains that are most strongly linked to cervical cancer.