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There are many treatment options for people with cervical cancer. The best treatment depends on things like the stage of the cancer, your age, and your medical history.

What are the treatments for cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is very treatable, especially when it’s caught early. If you’ve been diagnosed with cervical cancer, your doctor will talk to you about cervical cancer treatment options. Depending on the cervical cancer stage and your plans for pregnancy, your treatment plan might include:

  • Surgery to remove a part of your cervix, all of your cervix, or all of your reproductive organs

  • Radiation therapy

  • Chemotherapy

Your doctor may run tests to figure out which treatments are right for you. Talk with your doctor about your options, and be honest about your concerns.

Make a list of questions you’d like to ask at each appointment. You also may find it helpful to seek a second opinion from another specialist when deciding the best treatment for you. In some cases, you might be offered a few options for treatment.

Will my cervical cancer treatment affect my sex life?

Treatment for cervical cancer shouldn’t affect your ability to experience sexual pleasure or orgasm. The vagina and clitoris are usually not impacted by treatments done on the cervix or uterus.

Chemotherapy can temporarily decrease sexual desire, but it usually comes back soon after the treatment is finished.

Can my cervical cancer treatment make me infertile?

This depends on the stage of the cancer and type of treatment you get. If you want to become pregnant in the future, make sure to tell your doctor that. There are certain procedures that leave you more likely to be able to carry a pregnancy in the future than others.

Where can I find more information?

There are many good resources available on cervical cancer:

American Cancer Society

National Cancer Institute

More questions from patients:

What are the cervical cancer survival rates?

Each year, about 13,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with cervical cancer. About 4,000 people die from it every year. Exact cervical cancer survival rates depend on things like the stage of the cancer and your medical history.

Cervical cancer is caused by some types of human papillomavirus (HPV), a common STD. Here are 4 things you can do to prevent cervical cancer:

  1. Get regular check-ups. Your doctor or nurse will give you regular Pap tests and/or HPV tests so they can treat any problems before cancer develops.

  2. Get the HPV vaccine and encourage people in your life to do the same.

  3. Use condoms or dental dams every time you have vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

  4. If you smoke, stop.

Anyone who has a cervix is at risk for cervical cancer. So no matter who you have sex with or what your gender identity is, it’s important to take care of your cervical health.

To get screened for cervical cancer or get the HPV vaccine, make an appointment with your doctor or nurse, or visit your local Planned Parenthood health center.

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