Some intimate habits can unknowingly raise a woman’s risk of cervical cancer. A cautionary case is Xiao Le, 33, who ignored persistent abdominal pain and abnormal bleeding. When finally examined, she was diagnosed with stage 3 cervical cancer. Her doctor traced the cause to her husband’s demand for intimacy during her menstruation — a practice they followed for nearly 10 years.

“Intercourse during menstruation is extremely harmful,” her doctor warned. The cervix is more open and vulnerable at this time, allowing bacteria and viruses like HPV to enter easily, increasing the risk of infections and cervical cancer.

Secondhand smoke is another danger. “Women exposed to cigarette smoke are twice as likely to develop cervical cancer,” studies show. Harmful tobacco chemicals damage cervical cells and weaken the immune system, making it harder to fight HPV.

Not using condoms also raises risk. HPV often spreads from men to women without symptoms. Condoms protect not only from pregnancy but also from sexually transmitted infections.

Warning signs include bleeding after intercourse, between periods, or after menopause, abnormal discharge, pelvic pain, and pain during sex. As cancer progresses, symptoms worsen.

If any signs appear or these habits apply, seek medical help immediately — early detection saves lives.