Link between boyfriend and late wife's cervical cancer?

Question

my boyfriend is a widower whos wife died of cervical cancer. With the new focus on HPV and it's link to some cervical cancers, could I be at risk through him? If so how can I protect myself?

Answer 1

Get your paps and your Gardisil.

Answer 2

Rudy is spot on. Briefly:
- this question is not unique to you. Any female who has ever had sexual contact is at risk of developing cervical cancer at a later stage. Therefore every woman who has ever had sexual contact must have regular pap tests.
- cancer may not be contaigious, but the virus that causes cervical cancer is (through skin to skin contact). Research shows that condoms may not be effective in preventing the spread of the virus. If you have already had unprotected sex with your partner, and if he is a carrier of the virus, then you may have already been exposed to teh virus (but this does not mean you will get cervical cancer). There is no definitive tests for males being carriers.
- HPV is the causative agent in approximately 99% of cervical cancers. The other 1% have unknown associations with HPV, but the pap test can still detect these in their early stages.
- if you are in the appropriate age group, you may be eligible for the HPV Vaccine (Gardasil)
- The vaccine only prevents 70% of cervical cancers however. Therefore you must have regular pap tests - the only way to prevent cervical cancer developing.
- It is important that you tell your physician everything in regards to your sexual history, and i would most definitely inform them that your partners previous wife passed away from cervical cancer, this way your doctor can offer you the best healthcare possible. There is nothing to be embarrassed about.

Answer 3

Firstly this is a great question. However if you live in the UK or US you will obviously be getting regular smear tests, on perhaps a 3 year basis. Anyway yes there is a connection between cervical cancer and the HPV virus, millions of women however have the HPV virus and it never develops into cervial cancer. Also like any virus it can come and goes by itself. Your boyfriend may have the HPV virus, and you may catch it, or you may not, or he may not have it. However as long as you get regular smear tests, the chances of it developing into cervical cancer are extrememly minimal, as any abnormal cells occuring in your smear test will be spotted and monitored. If they develop into anything suspicious then they can be burned off in a simple operation, before any signs of cancer will be spotted. I would say your chances of developing cervical cancer are as minimal as any other woman who has regular smear tests. Enjoy your relationship and try not to worry. Cervical cancer, in countries where there is a screening system, nowadays is very rare, as long as the woman attends appointments

The only protection from cervical cancer is regular smear testing

Answer 4

This is a difficult question to answer. Virtually all cervical cancers are caused by HPV - human papilloma virus. However, well over 50% of women have been shown to be carriers of HPV but fewer than 1% of women will develop cervical cancer.

What causes some women with HPV to develop cervical cancer and most not to is uncertain, but it has been shown or thought to be related to a number of things including: 1) strain of HPV 2) smoking 3) possible genetic pre-disposition

It is important to remember that cevical cancer is typically EXTREMELY slow to progress from initial HPV infection to pre-cancer to frank cancer. It is thought that this process can take anywhere from 5 years to decades. Because of this, there is no way to say that your boyfriend's late wife contracted HPV from him, as opposed to a previous sexual contact many years before.

Condoms are not effective at preventing the spread of HPV, as HPV is communicated via direct contact (skin-skin) and not blood/semen carried. They are of course very useful at decreasing the spread of most blood-borne STIs including HIV, chlamydia, etc.

Exact indications for the HPV vaccine are not yet set. It would be reasonable to discuss this with your doctor, although the honest truth is no one would be able to know the effectiveness in someone like you.

Overal, I would not think that your risk of developming cervical cancer is higher than the general population (although I know of know good evidence in this matter). I agree with the posting above that recommends regular gynecologic exams and pap smears from your physician. Annually until you have had at least 3 consecutive clear smears and then bi-annually following that ONLY if you are in a single completely monogamous relationship over that time. The majority of frank cervical cancers in the western world are now found in women who do not receive regular screening. Also using condoms to protect against other STIs are always reasonable until you have had frank discussions with your boyfriend, and often some like blood testing done if uncertain.

Answer 5

You could be at risk. The best prevention is the use of a condom, and routine pap smears. Keep in mind that the rate of HPV infection is >>>> than the rate of cervical cancer...ie not everyone who is HPV infected develops cervical cancer. Also, the best therapy is very close monitoring with your MD via pap smears. They are able to detect cervix cancer very early and intervene.

Answer 6

I'm not sure if this is a serious question or not but no, there is no link between his sperm "being weedy" and causing cervical cancer. The majority of cases are caused by the HPV virus which is what causes gential warts. If you are having sex at all you should be having pap smears every year anyway!

Answer 7

**don't listen to the girl above me it is NOT a bacterial infection and it is NOT curiable

If she got it through hpv then he would also have hpv , assuming they had unprotected sex. Go to your gyn and get a hpv test and see if you are high or low risk, and keep up on your pap smears, to catch it early if you ever develop it. The only way to protect yourself is not not have sex!!! I heard even through condoms you can still get hpv. Or see if you can get that new vaccine called Gardicil to help protect against the types that cause warts and cervical cancer. good luck..but I would tell you ob gyn they can help you the best!

Answer 8

Yes. He may be a carrier. You can use condoms and get a pap smear to see if there is anything unusual. I don't know if men can be tested for this. I hope someone can give you this answer because you have raised a rather important question for many people. Other than that I think you should consult a GYN.

Answer 9

Good question. HPV is a bactirial infection that is curable. Both of you should get a complete check-up to find out if either of you has it and use condoms.

The vaccine is a early prevention for young women only and if your boyfriend has a deceased wife your probably not in the age range to get vaccinated.

Answer 10

there's a vaccine just developed find out about it aand also regular papsmears.