Sex and the cervix: hormones, infections and cancers.

Overview The link between contraception and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, constitutes a recurring theme and more emphasis is needed on the incorporation of the control of those infections in the provision of hormonal contraception through the promotion of dual method use. Confirmation of the vital role of infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) in the aetiology of cervical cancer led to innovative approaches: secondary prevention through detection of infection with HPV to complement established cytology screening and, lately, primary prevention of cervical cancer through vaccination against the most important subtypes of HPV.