Risk Factors of Cervical Dysplasia

Cervical dysplasia is a precancerous medical disorder in which abnormal cells develop on the surface of a woman's cervix. There are a number of risk factors that increase the chances of developing cervical dysplasia. Following are some of these.

HPV Infection

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is one of the leading risk factors for cervical dysplasia. According to the Women's Health Channel (see first Reference) more than 80 percent of all women who suffer from cervical dysplasia have HPV.

High-Risk Sexual Behavior

High-risk sexual behavior, such as having multiple partners or unprotected sex, has been linked to higher incidences of cervical dysplasia.

Cigarette Smoking

Two chemicals that are produced from smoking cigarettes, namely nicotine and cotinine, may cause alterations in the cervical tissue, which may cause this condition.

HIV Infection

Women who have contracted HIV have a higher risk of developing cervical dysplasia. This is because their suppressed immune systems are less able to fight the HPV virus that is known to cause this condition.

Long-term Contraception Use

Women who use oral contraceptives for more than five years are at greater risk of developing cervical dysplasia.

References

• Risk factors for cervical dysplasia
• Overview of cervical dysplasia

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