Something everyone should know.
THERE IS NOW AN IMMUNIZATION FOR THE TYPES OF HPV THAT MOST OFTEN CAUSE CERVICAL CANCER!!!!!
This is HUGE. While it is only effective if you have not yet contracted any of the four types of HPV (human papilloma virus) that it protects against, and is therefore most strongly recommended for girls who have not yet become sexually active, this is definitely something everyone should look into. The vaccine is called GARDASIL, and it is being manufactured by Merck.
In case you don't know, HPV is an STD that is transmitted by any type of genital contact. Like herpes, it is only contagious during an outbreak, however, said outbreaks are often completely invisible! It is estimated that over 50% of the sexually active people in the world have one form or another of HPV. And while the disease itself is not life-threatening, outbreaks can be itchy or painful, and if gone untreated can lead to cervical cancer in women.
Ask your doctor about it! (Men too- just because you won't get sick doesn't mean being a carrier is cool.)
This is HUGE. While it is only effective if you have not yet contracted any of the four types of HPV (human papilloma virus) that it protects against, and is therefore most strongly recommended for girls who have not yet become sexually active, this is definitely something everyone should look into. The vaccine is called GARDASIL, and it is being manufactured by Merck.
In case you don't know, HPV is an STD that is transmitted by any type of genital contact. Like herpes, it is only contagious during an outbreak, however, said outbreaks are often completely invisible! It is estimated that over 50% of the sexually active people in the world have one form or another of HPV. And while the disease itself is not life-threatening, outbreaks can be itchy or painful, and if gone untreated can lead to cervical cancer in women.
Ask your doctor about it! (Men too- just because you won't get sick doesn't mean being a carrier is cool.)