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The virus does not appear to be very harmful because almost all HPV infections are cleared by the immune system.7-8 In a few women, infection persists and some women may develop precancerous cervical lesions and eventually cervical cancer. It is currently impossible to predict in which women this will occur and why.
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This may be true. But current guidelines are that women who develop evidence of abnormal cervical cells, which are then graded in severity, should be treated. This consists of Laser ablation of the cervical cells, or CKC (cold knife cone) bx, or in some cases both. That is why you should get PAP smears yearly. Both of those procedures require anesthesia and should be performed in an OR, unless you are really brave. So we are willing to put you under the knife, or laser, and subject you to an anesthestic for these abnormal cells but we still don't know if you will be one of those who develop cervical cancer. We do 3 or 4 CKC's or Laser Vap of the cervix a week and this is a small but busy practice. 4 or 5 a year come in with near cancerous cells and everyone of these girls is in their 20's or early 30's. The incidence of HPV is common in women in the US, whether or not is causes problems for you is why you get the PAP's (although there are other potential causes of cervical Ca). It is a simple screening tool. Anyone here want to take a chance and just bag it hope that your immune system just catches the bad stuff? I don't think so. This vaccine has the potential to do a lot of good for women's health. It comes down to a personal decision. I think women should be encouraged to get it.