Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have become a major health issue in recent times, given their ability to cause not only reproductive health issues but also cancer.

A lot of STIs are asymptomatic and can go unnoticed for a long time, and the cases keep increasing due to factors such as multiple sexual partners and unsafe sex.

The link between multiple sexual partners and cancer is not always clear, but there is strong evidence to suggest that having multiple sexual partners can increase your risk of developing certain types of cancers.

Below are the different types of cancers that have been linked to multiple sexual partners.

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer affects the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus. According to statistics, it is the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide.

Most cases of cervical cancer are linked to human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a common sexually transmitted infection. HPV can cause changes in the cells of the cervix, leading to cancer over time. Having multiple sexual partners increases your chances of contracting HPV, which in turn increases your risk of developing cervical cancer.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer affects the prostate, which is a gland found in the male reproductive system. It is one of the most common types of cancer among men.

Although the exact cause of prostate cancer is unknown, studies have found a link between the disease and multiple sexual partners. Men who have had many sexual partners are more likely to develop prostate cancer than men who have had fewer partners.

Anal cancer

Anal cancer affects the tissues of the anus and can be caused by HPV.

Anal sex is a known risk factor for this type of cancer, and having multiple sexual partners increases your chances of contracting HPV, which in turn increases your risk of developing anal cancer. Studies have shown that people who have had more than 10 sexual partners are at a higher risk of developing anal cancer compared to those who have had fewer.

Vulvar cancer

Vulvar cancer affects the vulva, which is the outer part of the female genitals. It is mostly caused by HPV, and having multiple sexual partners increases your risk of contracting this infection.

The risk of developing vulvar cancer is higher among women who have multiple sexual partners, especially if they engage in oral sex.

Penile cancer

Penile cancer affects the penis and can be caused by HPV. Having multiple sexual partners increases the risk of contracting this virus and developing the cancer.

Men who have more than five sexual partners in their lifetime are at a higher risk of developing penile cancer than those who have had fewer partners.

HIV and cancer

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) weakens the immune system, making it harder to fight off infections and diseases, including cancer.

People with HIV are at a higher risk of developing certain cancers, such as Kaposi’s sarcoma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and cervical cancer. HIV is mostly transmitted through unprotected sex, and having multiple sexual partners increases your risk of contracting the virus.

Prevention of STIs and cancer

It is essential to practice safe sex to prevent STIs and, in turn, prevent cancer. Below are some measures that can be taken to stay safe:.

Always use a condom during sexual intercourse, including oral and anal sex.
Limit your sexual partners, as the more partners you have, the higher the risk of contracting an STI.
Get regular STI screenings, especially if you are sexually active.
Get the HPV vaccine, which can prevent cervical, anal, and other cancers caused by HPV.
Avoid smoking, as it increases the risk of developing some types of cancers, including cervical cancer.

Conclusion

The link between multiple sexual partners and cancer is not always clear, but evidence shows that having multiple sexual partners can increase your risk of developing certain types of cancers.

It is essential to practice safe sex and take measures to prevent STIs to ultimately prevent cancer. Remember, prevention is always better than cure.