Dear Doc: Sex & Female Cancers

Doctor, I am a 30-year-old married woman. These days, I am totally faithful to my husband, whom I love very much. But I must admit that when I was younger, I led a pretty wild sex life. To be frank, it involved one-night stands, a few orgies and (I regret to admit) several instances of adultery.

I am deeply ashamed of all that now, and I am truly repentant. My husband knows nothing about my past.

What is worrying me is that I am aware that certain female cancers are somehow linked to sex. So, naturally, I am afraid that I might get one.

But I have no idea what these female cancers are. Can you explain them to me please? Also, I was on the Pill for several years, and wonder if that could give me cancer.

I don't think you need to worry much. Obviously, what you did when you were young was not very smart. It is good that you are now a faithful wife.

There are four common female cancers.

Cancer of the cervix: This is related to sex. The cervix is the lowest part of the womb. You can feel it at the innermost point of the vagina. It is soft to the touch, and feels like the tip of a nose or somebody's thumb.

Unfortunately, it does often develop cervical cancer. That commonly occurs between the ages of 30 and 80, though a few women in their 20s develop it.

Cervical cancer occurs only in women who have had sex - not in virgins. And it is more common among those who have had a number of sexual partners. The reason for this is that this cancer is often caused by human papillomavirus, which is very often passed on during sexual intercourse. So, the more partners you have had, the more likely you are to develop it.

There are other factors which make a woman more likely to get cancer of the cervix. One is smoking. Another is having a partner who does manual work; the reason for this is not clear.

But the good news is that you will not die from it if you make sure that you have regular Pap smears. These smear tests detect this cancer at such an early stage that it is always curable. So with your history of numerous partners, it is particularly important that you have regular tests.

Cancer of the breast: This is extremely common, particularly in women over the age of 35. It is not linked to sex. In fact, it is more common in women who have never been pregnant.

The best way you can protect yourself against it is to be always on the lookout for any changes in your breasts, especially lumps. If you think you feel anything odd, consult a doctor right away.

Early treatment of breast cancer usually leads to a cure.

Cancer of the endometrium: The endometrium is the lining of the womb. Cancer often arises in this lining, mainly after the age of 50. It has no connection to sex.

The chief symptom is bleeding after menopause. So, any woman who gets that symptom should seek medical help immediately. It is a good idea to have an urgent ultrasound scan of the womb.

Endometrial cancer is generally curable if caught early.

Cancer of the ovary: This type of cancer mainly occurs in women over the age of 40. It has no connection with sex. Symptoms include swelling and bloating of the lower part of the belly, with pain in that area. Some women feel 'full' abnormally quickly while eating.

As is the case with other types of female cancers, it can be cured if treatment is started early.

As it relates to the Pill, it does slightly increase the chances of cervical cancer and cancer of the breast.

But it does slightly reduce the chances of ovarian and endometrial cancer.

How long before sex should a man take Viagra? I have tried it, but it does not seem to work instantly.

No, it does not work immediately. Generally, it takes a good hour before you get an erection.

I am pregnant and my mother says that if you have sex during pregnancy, you can conceive a second child. Is that really true, Doctor? Should I be using contraception?

This phenomenon is called 'superfoetation'. It can happen, but it is incredibly rare. So there is no need for you to use any kind of contraception while you are pregnant.

I'm a 29-year-old bachelor. Last month while on a trip to New York, I spent the night with a beautiful woman.

Today, I have noted a small bump on my penis. It is dark and quite firm. It does not hurt.

Is this anything to be concerned about, Doctor?

Sorry to alarm you, but this could possibly be syphilis. You must see a doctor right away, and take a blood test. In the meantime, please do not have sex with anyone.

If it is syphilis, you can soon be cured.

I have seen ads on the Internet for tablets that can make the breasts grow bigger. Should I try them, Doc?

This is just a scam. There are no tablets that will make the breasts grow larger.

I am a man in my 40s, and I have noticed that these days I usually have to get up two to three times in the night to urinate. Why?

Sounds like the start of prostate issues. But you could possibly have a urinary infection.

You should have a check-up from a doc. He will wish to test a specimen of urine, so take some along with you, preferably in a sterile container.

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