Risk factors for cervical cell changes

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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.

Credits

Author	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor	Denele Ivins
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Barbara S. Apgar, MD, MS - Family Medicine, Women's Health
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Ross Berkowitz, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last Updated	January 12, 2007

Last updated:	January 12, 2007
Author:	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Reviewed By:	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine, Ross Berkowitz, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman

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