Aa
Vaccine
What are the chances of getting cervical cancer if you had the gardisal vaccine?
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG):
"If you are vaccinated before being exposed to the virus, the HPV vaccine is 97 percent effective in preventing cervical cancer and cell changes that could lead to cancer. Plus, it’s almost 100 percent effective in preventing external genital warts."
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/what-i-tell-every-patient-about-the-hpv-vaccine
"If you are vaccinated before being exposed to the virus, the HPV vaccine is 97 percent effective in preventing cervical cancer and cell changes that could lead to cancer. Plus, it’s almost 100 percent effective in preventing external genital warts."
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/what-i-tell-every-patient-about-the-hpv-vaccine
12 Comments
Thank you. I’m scared because I was vaccinated but haven’t had a pap because I thought the vaccine was to prevent it and now I’m confused and worried if I have it I waited too long and it’s too late.
Haven’t had one in 8 years to be exact and last one was normal.
Not all cervical cancers are caused by HPV, though most are.
It's never too late to get a pap. Call today and make an appointment. Chances are good that you're okay, but you'll feel a lot better after you find out for sure. :)
It's never too late to get a pap. Call today and make an appointment. Chances are good that you're okay, but you'll feel a lot better after you find out for sure. :)
I do plan to. If I skipped it for 8 years, what would the chances of it being cancer now?
There's no way for me to answer that.
I don't know how many sexual partners you've had, if you use condoms, if your partners have been vaccinated. Smoking also contributes to cervical cancers. If you have HIV or are otherwise immunocompromised, that can also be a factor.
I know you're worried now, but the only way you'll know is to test.
I don't know how many sexual partners you've had, if you use condoms, if your partners have been vaccinated. Smoking also contributes to cervical cancers. If you have HIV or are otherwise immunocompromised, that can also be a factor.
I know you're worried now, but the only way you'll know is to test.
Thank you. I guess I’m wondering if my last normal pap was in 8 years and I had cancer, would it be at a treatable stage? I saw so where it grows slow but not sure
Yes, it would be. Research has shown that in women with normal immune systems, it can take 10-20 years, or longer, for cervical cancer to develop from HPV.
Even if you got a kind associated with another cause, I'm sure it would be treatable. Very few women die from cervical cancer anymore.
Even if you got a kind associated with another cause, I'm sure it would be treatable. Very few women die from cervical cancer anymore.
Thank you. I’m so scared I can’t stop crying and shaking.
Oh no. Don't do that. I'm sure you're fine.
I don't know if you're in the US, and you don't have to say (and shouldn't say), but in the US, only 11,000 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed each year. (https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/statistics/index.htm)
There are about 340 million people in the US, and approximately 169 million of them are female. Obviously, not all are adults or sexually active, but still, 11,000 out of 169 million isn't many.
It's enough to stay current on your paps, but not nearly enough to freak out about.
If this level of anxiety isn't new for you, you should also talk to your doctor about that, too.
I don't know if you're in the US, and you don't have to say (and shouldn't say), but in the US, only 11,000 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed each year. (https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/statistics/index.htm)
There are about 340 million people in the US, and approximately 169 million of them are female. Obviously, not all are adults or sexually active, but still, 11,000 out of 169 million isn't many.
It's enough to stay current on your paps, but not nearly enough to freak out about.
If this level of anxiety isn't new for you, you should also talk to your doctor about that, too.
I don’t mind saying but yes I am in us. I read those cases are people like me who have not gotten a pap so that’s I’m I scared. I’m a generally anxious person but this is another level. I don’t have any hiv or anything and don’t smoke. I eat organic and exercise daily. I am responsible about health, this was more me being confused and thinking it was not needed. So since the average is 10-20 years to develop since I skipped 8 years it might not be that bad? Sorry if I sound repetitive I just want to make sure I have good information so I can walk in there with some kind of confidence. I really appreciate this.
And I’m 35 if that matters
It's not like a Pap smear affects the chance of getting cancer -- not having one doesn't *cause* problems. The reason to have one done more often (than once in 8 years) is that if you did have a problem, it would find it. But if you have had the vaccine, it sounds like your chance of it finding a problem is really small. Get the test and then you can calm down.
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Women's Health Community
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
Normal vaginal discharge varies in color, smell, texture and amount.
Bumps in the genital area might be STDs, but are usually not serious.
Chlamydia, an STI, often has no symptoms, but must be treated.
From skin changes to weight loss to unusual bleeding, here are 15 cancer warning signs that women tend to ignore.
