To reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer:

• Have a Pap smear at least once a year and more often if you are at increased risk (that is, if you have multiple sex partners, if you became sexually active at an early age, if you have a human papilloma virus, if your partner is uncircumcised, if you had frequent and early pregnancies, or if your mother took the drug diethylstilbestrol, or DES, when she was pregnant with you).
  
• Don't smoke.
  
• Limit your sexual activity to monogamous relationships.
  
• If you have more than one sexual relationship, use barrier protective methods, such as a condom, diaphragm, or cervical cap with a spermicide.
  
• Contact your gynecologist if you have pain during intercourse or bleeding or spotting between periods.