I received my test results back today. My PAP smear came back normal for the first time in three years. Guess all that direct contact with sperm actually does make a difference, as that\’s about the only thing that\’s changed in three years. Only slightly kidding.
My state health care insurance is also willing to give me an IUD or Depo-Provera, but have still not okay-ed a uterine hysterectomy or tubal ligation. It\’s going to be one hell of a fight, but I\’ll find a way, dammit. There must be a \”How to DIY sterilize yourself\” guide on the WWW, right?
My HPV came back positive for low risk and high risk, with over 20 different strains (out of several hundred) listed. But since my PAP came back normal for the first time in three years, there is no longer any crazy abnormal cell growth currently going on, as it seems there was as early as 1999. So I don\’t have to have my cervix frozen off, at least not yet, but my doctor said that I have to have my PAP every six months from here on out, and if they come back clear for two years, then I can go back to once a year.
As of 1999, I had only had six intercourse partners, two of whom were virgins. The rest of you need to fess up as to what you\’re carrying: you know who you are. Do the research. You might not exhibit symptoms — most men don\’t — but two thirds of people contract the strains from their partners. I got it from you, and you, and you, and probably from you, too. It\’s spread even with using a condom. The high risk strains — of which I now have several, and have had at least one since 1999 — cause cancer. I didn\’t even know what HPV was before 2001. Most people still don\’t. Most people don\’t care.
No one has ever come to me after the fact and said \”Oh, um, sorry, but I found out that this other girl I boinked before you had HPV, and therefore I might have it and exposed you.\” Of all my subsequent partners, I only know of one who has exhibited symptoms, but men rarely exhibit and yet pass them on to other women. PEOPLE, TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR SEXUAL HEALTH, AND TAKE SOME RESPONSIBILITY.
We are too young and beautiful to be attending funerals for those who have died from cervical, vaginal, anal, penile, or other STD-caused cancer. But if we have to, remember to arrive in a white limo and demand to know where the after hours is.
