Red-Light Relations
The true story of Xiao Li, a 33-year-old woman, serves as a cautionary tale. Married for five years, she enjoyed a happy sexual relationship with her husband. However, two months ago, she started experiencing persistent abdominal pain and unusual vaginal bleeding. Xiao Li delayed seeking medical attention, attributing her symptoms to a common disorder, and the frequent intimate demands of her husband further deterred her from seeking help.
Eventually, the pain became unbearable, forcing her to visit the hospital. Upon regaining consciousness after treatment, the first advice the doctor offered was to immediately seek further assessment at a central hospital for cancer screening.
After a series of tests, Xiao Li received a devastating diagnosis: cervical cancer in its third stage. To her shock, the investigation revealed that her husband’s sexual habits were a significant contributing factor to her illness. Specifically, their unhealthy sexual practices during her menstrual periods had put her at grave risk.
Xiao Li’s husband had a high libido and insisted on sexual intercourse even during her periods. To oblige him, she acquiesced for a decade, unaware of the potential consequences. However, as her gynecologist explained, sexual activity during menstruation can severely damage a woman’s health. The endometrium is highly sensitive during menstruation, making it susceptible to injury. Vigorous intercourse can cause tearing, bleeding, and cervical inflammation. If left untreated and repeated frequently, this can pave the way for cervical cancer.
Additionally, the cervix is more dilated during menstruation, and the vaginal environment is typically moist. These conditions, coupled with hormonal fluctuations, create an ideal environment for bacteria and viruses, such as the notorious HPV virus and yeast infections, to invade the body. Both are significant risk factors for cervical abnormalities and cancer.
In summary, sexual activity during menstruation is detrimental to a woman’s health, and couples must refrain from such practices to prevent long-term harm.
Tobacco Habits
Many husbands have a tobacco habit, some even smoking excessively in their wife’s presence. Secondhand smoke exposure poses a significant health risk to their wives.
Women who smoke are twice as likely to develop cervical cancer as non-smokers. Tobacco components have been detected in the cervical mucus of smoking women, indicating potential DNA damage to cervical cells and a possible role in cervical cancer development. Smoking also weakens the immune system’s ability to fight off HPV infections.
Neglecting Condom Use
Some people find condoms uncomfortable and choose not to use them, but this is a dangerous practice. If a man is infected with the HPV virus, he can easily transmit it to his partner. Condoms serve not only as a contraceptive method but also as a vital defense against sexually transmitted infections.
Warning Signs of Cervical Cancer
– Abnormal vaginal bleeding: Post-coital bleeding, bleeding after menopause, intermenstrual spotting, prolonged or heavy periods, and bleeding after douching are all potential symptoms.
– Unusual vaginal discharge: This may contain traces of blood and can occur between periods or after menopause.
– Yellowish vaginal discharge with a foul odor or bloody mucus.
– Lower abdominal pain, frequent urination, and discomfort during urination.
– Pain during sexual intercourse.
– Pelvic pain.
As the disease progresses, additional symptoms may include:
– Swollen legs.
– Urinary and bowel issues: Blood in urine or stool when cancer invades the bladder or rectum.
– Unexplained fatigue and weight loss
