1. Having Intercourse During Menstruation

A real-life story of Xiao Le, 33 years old: She had been happily married for 5 years. However, over the past two months, she began experiencing persistent lower abdominal pain and unusual vaginal bleeding. Assuming it was a minor hormonal issue, she postponed visiting the doctor. On top of that, the couple had frequent sexual activity, which made her delay even more.

Eventually, the pain became unbearable, and she had no choice but to go to the hospital. When she regained consciousness, the doctor immediately advised her to go to a central hospital for cancer screening.

After undergoing a series of tests, Xiao Le was diagnosed with stage 3 cervical cancer. Shockingly, her medical history revealed that the main contributing factor was closely related to her husband — specifically, the couple’s unhealthy intimate habits.

It turned out that her husband had a high libido and would often request intimacy even during her menstrual period. Out of affection, Xiao Le complied, and this became a regular practice for nearly a decade.

However, her doctor warned that intercourse during menstruation is extremely harmful to a woman’s health. During menstruation, the uterine lining is highly sensitive and vulnerable to damage. Having sex — especially if rough — can cause tears, bleeding, or cervical infections. If this continues over time without proper treatment, it can develop into cervical cancer.

Moreover, the cervix is more open during menstruation, the vaginal environment is moist, and hormonal changes make it easier for bacteria and viruses to invade. Common infections during this time include yeast infections and HPV (Human Papillomavirus) — both of which are high-risk factors for cervical diseases, particularly cervical cancer.

In short, having intercourse during menstruation is dangerous. Any couple practicing this habit should stop immediately before it leads to serious health consequences.

2. Smoking

Many men smoke frequently, even in the presence of their wives — but secondhand smoke is highly dangerous.

Women who smoke are twice as likely to develop cervical cancer compared to non-smokers. Researchers have found tobacco components in the cervical mucus of women who smoke. These harmful substances can damage the DNA of cervical cells and contribute to the development of cervical cancer. Smoking also weakens the immune system, reducing its ability to fight off HPV infections.

3. Not Using Condoms

Some people avoid using condoms due to discomfort, but this habit can be risky.

If a man carries the HPV virus, he can easily transmit it to his partner. Condoms are not just a method of birth control; they serve as a crucial defense against sexually transmitted infections.

Warning Signs of Cervical Cancer

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as:

  • Bleeding after vaginal intercourse

  • Bleeding after menopause

  • Spotting between periods or unusually heavy and prolonged menstruation

  • Bleeding after douching

• Unusual vaginal discharge: May contain traces of blood and occur between menstrual cycles or after menopause.

• Yellowish discharge with a foul odor, or discharge that is streaked with blood.

• Lower abdominal pain, frequent urination, or discomfort during urination.

• Pain during sexual intercourse.

• Pelvic pain.

As the cancer progresses, symptoms may become more severe and include:

• Swelling in the legs

• Trouble urinating or defecating, sometimes with blood in urine or stool due to cancer invading the bladder or rectum

• Fatigue and unexplained weight loss

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms or engaging in high-risk habits, it’s important to seek medical advice promptly. Prevention and early detection are key in the fight against cervical cancer.