Not Only HIV, Frequently Changing Couples Also Increases Cancer Risk
JAKARTA - Changing sexual partners not only increases the risk of sexually transmitted infection (IMS), but also relates to the increasing risk of cancer, both in men and women.
This was revealed in a study published in BMJ Sexual and Reproductive Health in 2020, which examines the relationship between the number of sexual partners throughout life and the long-term health risks.
Reporting from the News Medical page, the study analyzed data from more than 5,700 adults aged 50 years and over in the UK. They were asked about their lifestyle, health status, and the number of sexual partners they had.
Hasilnya menunjukkan bahwa pria maupun wanita yang memiliki 10 pasangan seksual atau lebih sepanjang hidupnya memiliki risiko cancer yang jauh lebih tinggi dibandingkan dengan mereka yang hanya memiliki satu atau tidak sekali.
Women who have had sex more than 10 couples have 91% higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer than women who only have 0'1 pairs.
Meanwhile, men who have sex more than 10 couples have 69% higher risk of developing cancer, compared to men who only have 0'1 pairs.
Although this study does not prove a direct causal relationship, there are several scientific explanations that support these findings.
1. Increased Risk of Sexual Infection (IMS)
The more sexual partners, the higher the chance of being exposed to IMS such as HPV (Human Papillomavirus), HIV, hepatitis B and C, and gonore. Some of these viruses are known to trigger cancer:
- HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer, penis, anus, mouth, and throat.- Hepatitis B & C related to liver cancer.- HIV can cause cassava and other types of cancer.
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2. Risky Lifestyle Behavior
People who have many sexual partners also tend to have other habits that increase the risk of cancer, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, unprotected sexual activity, and lack of overall health care.
Why Are Women More Vulnerable?
Interestingly, this study found that women are more susceptible to chronic diseases due to an active sexual lifestyle than men. Possible causes include:- Physicical differences and reproductive systems between men and women- A higher biological risk for women when exposed to IMS- Social and health factors such as delays in treatment or diagnosis
This finding provides an important warning to the public regarding the long-term health impact of unhealthy sexual behavior. Changing partners is not only about moral or cultural matters, but also about real risks to the body and life.
Prevention steps that can be taken include:
- Maintaining healthy and monogamous sexual relations- Using condoms to prevent IMS transmission- Performing HPV vaccinations from an early age- Conducting regular health screening- Increasing reproductive health education as a teenager