Human Papillomavirus and Cervical Cancer have you been tested?

All types of HPV can cause mild Pap test abnormalities which do not have serious consequences. Approximately 10 of the 30 identified genital HPV types can lead, in rare cases, to development of cervical cancer. Research has shown that for most women (90 percent), cervical HPV infection becomes undetectable within two years. Although only a small proportion of women have persistent infection, persistent infection with "high-risk" types of HPV is the main risk factor for cervical cancer. A Pap test can detect pre-cancerous and cancerous cells on the cervix. Regular Pap testing and careful medical follow-up, with treatment if necessary, can help ensure that pre-cancerous changes in the cervix caused by HPV infection do not develop into life threatening cervical cancer. The Pap test used in U.S. cervical cancer screening programs is responsible for greatly reducing deaths from cervical cancer. For 2004, the American Cancer Society estimates that about 10,520 women will develop invasive cervical cancer and about 3,900 women will die from this disease. Most women who develop invasive cervical cancer have not had regular cervical cancer screening.

I get tested every year as well. HPV is a very scary and rampant std because there is no cure for guys and guys don't even know when they have it. So I think that anyone who is sexually active needs to be tested for it no matter how many partners you have been with. I'm not sure about the vaccine yet. It's still too new. By the time my daughter is old enough to get it it will have been around for about 12 years so we will know the good and bad effects of it so I can decide whether or not I want her to have it.

I've been tested during my last two paps. I have another one coming up next month, and I'm sure I will get tested then, too. It's not fun, but it's worth it!

Yes, Kaperkitty, there has been an exceptionally high amount of exposure regarding this virus. But I was informed about this virus in the 1980's by a OBGYN doctor who visited my church. My most recent doctor wanted me to have a pap smear last year because he was very concerned about this same virus. But I told him that those are usually advised for those women and girls who are sexually active and he said yes they are. So I told him that I was not sexually active and I had not been for a long while, (time). So he took a deep breath of relief and agreed with me that it was not necessary for me to get the pap smear. I also told him that I had been speaking to my daughter about the virus that month also.

You are right I have never heard of it I have got to get me a gynecologist to get my hormone pills anyways and I will get the test done for that thank you for the health information.