Myths & Facts
Young women, under 30, do not need the HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) test.
It's true that routine HPV screening is not recommended for women under the age of 30. However there is now a vaccine available to help protect young women against the HPV virus.
HPV isn't an issue in my school or community.
One out of every four females in the United States may have HPV and with 25 million women in the United States infected with HPV (the primary cause of cervical cancer), how can you be sure?
The HPV vaccination won't work for me ---- I've already been sexually active.
Although it is best to get the vaccination prior to any sexual activity, getting the shot at any time will still help to prevent the four major strands of HPV.
The flu is the most commonly transmitted viral infection in the United States.
Think again. HPV infects more than 6 million people every year.
Getting the vaccine promotes sexual promiscuity.
FALSE! Research and polls with teen girls and young adult women indicate a more aware and responsible approach to intimate relationships through the knowledge gained by the vaccine process.
There's no history of cervical cancer in my family so I'll be OK.
10 women die daily from cervical cancer whether cancer is in the family history or not. It is the second most common cause of cancer deaths among women---HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer.
My daughter doesn't need the vaccine---she's only 12.
Parents often have difficulty speaking to their children about sexual intimacy and sexually transmitted diseases. So they ignore it and hope for the best. Getting the HPV vaccine for your daughter is not an admission of, or promotion for, her sexual activity-rather it is a responsible decision for her future health and well being.
Using condoms will protect me.
Not in all cases. HPV can be transmitted through the exchange of any body fluids. Abstinence is the only true total prevention.
It's true that routine HPV screening is not recommended for women under the age of 30. However there is now a vaccine available to help protect young women against the HPV virus.
HPV isn't an issue in my school or community.
One out of every four females in the United States may have HPV and with 25 million women in the United States infected with HPV (the primary cause of cervical cancer), how can you be sure?
The HPV vaccination won't work for me ---- I've already been sexually active.
Although it is best to get the vaccination prior to any sexual activity, getting the shot at any time will still help to prevent the four major strands of HPV.
The flu is the most commonly transmitted viral infection in the United States.
Think again. HPV infects more than 6 million people every year.
Getting the vaccine promotes sexual promiscuity.
FALSE! Research and polls with teen girls and young adult women indicate a more aware and responsible approach to intimate relationships through the knowledge gained by the vaccine process.
There's no history of cervical cancer in my family so I'll be OK.
10 women die daily from cervical cancer whether cancer is in the family history or not. It is the second most common cause of cancer deaths among women---HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer.
My daughter doesn't need the vaccine---she's only 12.
Parents often have difficulty speaking to their children about sexual intimacy and sexually transmitted diseases. So they ignore it and hope for the best. Getting the HPV vaccine for your daughter is not an admission of, or promotion for, her sexual activity-rather it is a responsible decision for her future health and well being.
Using condoms will protect me.
Not in all cases. HPV can be transmitted through the exchange of any body fluids. Abstinence is the only true total prevention.
