I was over twenty years old when I first heard about the HPV virus. This was something that I had never knew existed, even though it is apparently one of the biggest causes of cervical cancer in women. This is also something that is apparently very easy to spread, and even one sexual encounter can mean you have this in your system. We had sex education in school, but for some reason, this was one thing that was never talk about, and now I wonder why.
Though there are some parents that hesitate to talk about sex, every young girl should know what the HPV virus is and what it can do. They should know the risks, even though knowing doesn’t always mean a girl will make the right choice. Even those who marry can end up with someone who has it, and they might not even know it. It’s something that is probably more common than most know, and many who carry it aren’t even aware that they have it. Even worse, they don’t know that the HPV virus exists at all and may never be screened for it.
Today, there is a new shot that is supposed to protect women from the HPV virus. It is recommended that all girls get it in their teen years, but it is not something that is mandatory. Each family will have to make that decision on their own. This is something that might stir moral problems for some, and that is understandable. However, it is important to remember that even the girls that say they will remain virgins until they marry might change their mind at any time. This puts them at risk for the HPV virus. For some, this virus remains dormant and cancer is not a problem, but for some, cancer becomes a reality.
The shot for the HPV virus, at this time, does not protect from all types of cervical cancer, but it is a breakthrough that might save many lives. Cervical cancer can be deadly, as is often not found until the latter stages. Though routine pap smears can detect cancer, HPV can sometimes go unnoticed. This shot could mean that more girls and their families are spared the agony of cancer and all that it can do to a life. Not all sexually active girls will catch the HPV virus, but anyone can at any time. It’s a good idea to give it consideration, no matter what you decide in the end.
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