What exactly is cervical cancer? Is it caused...

[Sara A]

...by sexual contact or intercourse? Can you get cervical cancer if you're a virgen? I just wanted to know, because I heard awhile back that there might be a law requiring girls age 13 and up to get the Gardisil vaccine.

[Catherine McC]

I think it is possible to get cervical cancer even if you are a virgin. You can get breast cancer even if you have never breastfed a baby before. The vaccine is still pretty new, I don't foresee a Law forcing young girls to receive the injection anytime in the near future. Just remember, once you are sexually active you should start to see a Gynecologist, and pap smears should be part of your routine check-up.

[Peenu 07]

Over 94% of cervical cancers are caused by HPV. Human Papilloma Virus. There are four types of HPV that are responsible for this. HPV is a sexually transmitted disiese, caused by having too many partners. The Ph levels brought on by multiple partners to your cervix is what causes cell abnormalty. You can still get cervical cancer while a virgin, but the percentages of actual cases are extremely low, about less than 4%. Those cases are usually metastatic (transfered) from ovarian or uterine cancers. Though, I believe in vaccinating to keep ones self protected, the easiest way to be protected from HPV is safe sex, using a condom. If you believe you are going to be sexually active, and not use protection, then the vaccine is the way to go. But ONLY in the case of HPV. Even with the Guardasil vaccine, you can still contract an STD or get pregnant. So your best bet around all of these is to use a condom every time.