When it comes to HPV, I believe many female friends are not unfamiliar with it. It is commonly known as human papillomavirus, a type of DNA virus that only infects human skin and mucous membranes. One of the easily infected areas is the cervix. So far, the vast majority of cervical precancerous lesions and cervical cancer in clinical practice are caused by human papillomavirus infection.
Especially in recent years, cervical cancer has become one of the malignant tumors threatening women’s lives. Therefore, women should take preventive measures and intervene in treatment in a timely manner.
HPV infection is also related to some unhealthy lifestyle habits and the possibility of HPV infection during sexual intercourse, damaging women’s cervical health. However, many men do not understand this in marital life, only seeking their own temporary happiness, ultimately causing distress to women.
So which behaviors of men can harm the cervix?
1. Engaging in marital relations within 2 months of childbirth
After childbirth, women’s uterus needs a minimum of 6 to 8 weeks to recover. It is best to avoid sexual relations within three months; otherwise, it may introduce bacteria and viruses into the uterus, causing endometrial trauma that takes a long time to heal. This can ultimately lead to vaginitis, endometritis, HPV infection, and more.
2. Having marital relations before, during, or after menstruation
During the 1-2 days before menstruation and the first 1-2 days after it ends, although this is considered a safe period, the endometrium is very fragile at this time. Women’s resistance and immunity are starting to decline. Having sexual relations during this time can easily damage the fragile reproductive system. If intercourse occurs during menstruation, it exacerbates the situation as the cervix is open, making it easy for viruses and other foreign materials to enter the body.
3. Engaging in marital relations too frequently
Despite strong desires on both sides, it is essential to control the frequency. Too frequent sexual activities can increase the risk of continuous HPV infection, causing abrasion on the cervix tissue. When HPV lesions occur, the cervix can be damaged.
4. Men not paying attention to hygiene
Some men tend to be in a hurry and neglect cleanliness during marital relations. Women should be cautious at such times because if the male’s private area is unclean and not properly cleaned, bacteria and viruses can be introduced into the female body.
So how can HPV virus infection be prevented? Pay attention to these 7 points
1. Once HPV infection is detected, both partners should seek treatment together to avoid cross-infection. Additionally, bathing before and cleaning after sexual activities not only enhances the quality of marital life but also effectively prevents various diseases.
2. The most practical method to prevent HPV on a regular basis is to use condoms during intimacy. Clinical studies have shown that using condoms during marital relations significantly reduces the rate of HPV infection.
3. Furthermore, the best way to prevent HPV is to get vaccinated against it.
4. More importantly than vaccination is maintaining daily intimate hygiene and cleanliness.
5. Reduce the number of sexual partners: Having multiple sexual partners increases the chances of HPV infection, leading to an increased risk of cervical cancer.
6. Pay attention to lifestyle and diet: Maintain a regular lifestyle, sleep and wake up early, exercise regularly, eat on time, consume vegetables and fruits, and supplement nutrients containing polysaccharides, trace elements such as selenium, etc. directly into the immune system to activate immune cells’ activity, enhance immune cell phagocytosis, and improve immune function.
7. Avoid early engagement in sexual activities: During puberty, when girls’ reproductive tracts are not yet fully mature, engaging in sexual activities prematurely exposes the cervix epithelium to certain bacteria or viruses multiple times, potentially leading to cell mutations. This may cause cancer several years later.