Because Julie has already contracted the virus, Gardasil won’t work for her. But since being treated, she has been clear for several years. “Because the virus is so common I am no longer mortified that I carry it, but, if anything, it really made me extra careful about using protection during sex.”

And even if you do get vaccinated, it’s still important to make your yearly gynecologist appointment to make sure nothing else is going on down there. It may be a hassle, it may be uncomfortable, but it could save your life.

*Name has been changed.
photo © kapp-FOTOLIA