Risk factors for cervical cell changes
Factors that increase the risk of cervical cell changes (dysplasia) that can cause an abnormal Pap test include:
- Being infected with certain high-risk types of the human papillomavirus (HPV).
- Being infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
- Smoking or having a history of smoking.
- Sexual intercourse with a partner who is infected with HPV.
- Starting sexual intercourse at an early age (before age 18).
- Having three or more sex partners in a lifetime.
- Having sexual intercourse with someone who has had multiple sex partners.
- Using birth control pills. Studies have shown that women who use birth control pills for many years have an increased risk of cervical cell changes.
- Having an impaired immune system.
- Having multiple full-term pregnancies (high parity).
- Exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) in utero, though this is rare.
| Author: | Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH | Last Updated: January 12, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Barbara S. Apgar, MD, MS - Family Medicine, Women's Health Ross Berkowitz, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology | |
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