What things increase the risk of developing cancer of the cervix from HPV infection?
• A weakened immune system (which can be caused by HIV, chemotherapy or an organ transplant) • Smoking tobacco and exposure to second-hand smoke • Using birth control pills for more than five years • More than five full-term pregnancies • Other sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia or herpes simplex virus 2 • Poor diet (especially one that is low in antioxidants)