A study has found out that a history of 10 or more sexual partners in a lifetime can increase the risk of being diagnosed with cancer. Researchers have claimed that women, in particular, have twice the risk in case they are having 10 or multiple sexual partners as compared to those who are having one or none. While finding a connection between several sexual partners and cancer, experts have found a gender difference as well. Scientists have said that the risk of cancer is high in women if they have multiple intimate counterparts because the link between certain types of STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) and cancer is quite strong among women. Several studies in the past have proved that specific STIs can lead to a higher risk of several kinds of cancer.
Experts have referred to the data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing to find how the number of sexual partners affects the health condition. English Longitudinal Study of Ageing is national representative research of adults under the age group of 50 and above. They have included 5722 women and men who have been in the average age of 64. They have been asked about their lifetime number of sexual partners. They have been asked to report if they have any longstanding health condition or infirmity, which impacts their routine activity. 22 percent of men have reported having 10 or more sexual partners, 20 percent of them have reported having five to nine and 29 percent of men have said to have two to four sexual partners. 29 percent of men have reported having one or zero sexual counterparts. At the same time, 8 percent of women have claimed to have 10 or more sexual partners.
Men and women with a higher number of sexual partners have been young, unmarried, smokers and alcoholics, as per the study. Researchers have claimed that women with 10 or more sexual partners have been at a 91 percent higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer. On the other hand, men with 10 or more intimate partners have been at a 64 percent higher risk of cancer. Besides, women with multiple intimate partners have also been at a 64 percent higher risk of limiting longstanding illness. Experts have mentioned that this study cannot determine the cause and effect; it just shows an association between the dreaded disease and having multiple sexual partners. The research has been published in the journal of BMJ Sexual and Reproductive Health.
