Published Apr 5, 2021

A Woman Is Diagnosed With Precancerous Cells On Her Ovaries Due To Allergic Reaction To Husband’s Penis Piercing

Details

A Sudden Diagnosis

Cicely and her husband visited the emergency room when Cicely started experiencing extreme burning and pain in her vagina. While under examination doctors revealed she had suffered an allergic reaction to her husband’s penis piercing, but also discovered precancerous cells on her ovaries during an ultrasound.
Due to the amount of precancerous cells and Cicely’s family history of cancer, she was encouraged to have a hysterectomy.
Genetics and family history can play a huge role in assessing your risk of certain types of cancers. The most well known risk factor is the BRCA gene mutation, which is passed on among family members.

No one is prepared for a cancer diagnosis, but one woman was diagnosed with cancerous cells after being hospitalized for an allergic reaction to her husband’s penis piercing. After being rushed to the emergency room, the examination she had saved her life. https://www.the-sun.com/lifestyle/2637025/husband-penis-piercing-cancer-risk-hospital/

Cicely and her husband, a couple featured on TLC’s Sex Sent Me to the ER, had been in a committed relationship for 10 years, but once Cicely started experiencing pain and burning in her vagina, she questioned whether she had a sexually transmitted disease. Her husband assured her that he had not been unfaithful, and he rushed Cicely to the ER as the pain started to increase. Initially, doctors believed the burning and vaginal discharge were symptoms of gonorrhea or chlamydia, but Cicely pushed for more examinations since she was assured her husband hadn’t cheated. The doctors then asked Cicely whether she was allergic to anything, and she told them she was allergic to sterling silver. Turns out, her husband had gotten a sterling silver penis piercing in secret since he did not believe Cicely was actually allergic to the material.

However, surprises didn’t stop there. Cicely went through a pelvic exam and later an ultrasound so doctors could figure out what was at the root of the her problem. Turns out, it was a life-saving decision. “The ultrasound not only revealed that I had an infection but it also showed that I had polyps which were pre-cancerous,” Cicely told The Sun. In addition to the polyps, the ultrasound also showed that Cicely had cysts on her ovaries. Taking these cells and her family history’s of cancer into account, doctors recommended Cicely go through a hysterectomy.

“I would have continued on with my life [not knowing],” Cicely explained. “The chances of me having cancer were 75% within the next year or two so I’m very thankful that he did go and get the piercing.”

Dr. Michael Birrer explains how family history is linked to cancer diagnoses

Family History & Cancer

For certain types of cancers, genetics and family history can play a huge part in assessing your risk for the disease. This is especially true in cases of ovarian cancer, where specific gene mutations can increase your risk of the disease. One of the most well-known gene mutations is in the BRCA gene specifically BRCA1 and BRCA2 can increase the risk of developing both breast cancer and ovarian cancer.

These gene mutations could be passed down among family members. In fact, if one of your first degree relatives carries a BRCA gene mutation, there is a 50-50 chance you're carrying it, too. BRCA mutations aren't tied to the X or Y sex chromosome, so that blood relative does not need to be a woman. You're just as likely to inherit the risks of cancers associated with BRCA from your father as you are from your mother.

Seeing as these gene mutations are strongly linked to two separate types of cancers, it’s critical that women learn more about their family history and go through genetic testing. By consulting a genetic counselor and going through this testing process, you’ll be able to learn more about whether you possess gene mutations and are at increased risk of ovarian or breast cancer. This can help you take control of your health and be proactive about detecting signs of the disease early.

Dr. Rebecca Arend breaks down the basics of BRCA gene mutations

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