Causes
This condition is caused by a sexually transmitted virus. The virus is called the human papillomavirus (HPV). It causes the abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix. There are different types of HPV. They can be high or low risk. The level of risk is based on their ability to cause significant cervical disease. The most significant disease would be cancer.
Risk Factors
Factors that increase your risk of cervical dysplasia include:
- Sex: female
- Multiple sexual partners
- Early onset of sexual activity (before age 18)
- Early childbearing (before age 16)
- Smoking
- Sexually transmitted diseases (especially HPV)
- Genital herpes
- HIV infection
- History of in utero exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES)—an estrogen-like substance given to prevent miscarriages in high-risk pregnancies
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