Intercourse after cin diagnosis (cervix)

Dear Sunshine1982,

My name is Liz, and I’m one of the cancer information nurse specialists on the Macmillan support line.

Thank you for reaching out for information following your diagnosis of LSIL or low-grade intraepithelial lesion on cervical smear.

LSIL and HSIL is about how the cells on the surface of the cervix look under the microscope. In LSIL, they look slightly different and in HSIL they can look very abnormal.

It would be useful for you to discuss your concerns with your GP or your local sexual health clinic so they can clarify if there is any risk of progression from LSIL to HSIL with sexual intercourse, as I was unable to find any research advising either way. .

LSIL compares to CIN 1. LSIL only affects cells on the surface of the cervical lining or close to it. The cervical dysplasia is mild, with changes to the cells looking only slightly different from normal cells.

HSIL compares to CIN 2 and CIN 3.  Changes to cells are deeper in the cervical lining. The cervical dysplasia is moderate to severe, and the cells are considered more abnormal.

10% of people with LSIL will test negative for HPV as you have and 90% of HSIL is caused by HPV. However, there are things you can do to lower your risk of HPV such as not smoking, practising safe sex, using a condom or dental dam during sex, including oral sex, makes getting or passing on HPV less likely. As these don’t cover the whole genital area, they do not provide complete protection from HPV but can help reduce the risk. 

I hope that this information has helped a little at this time, please contact us whenever you need us for further information or support.

Take care.  

Liz 

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist  

 Ref LZD/IY

Yes it helped a lot, thank you so much for the quick response! I will discuss with my caregiver to check what he thinks