Gardasil: Guard yourself.
A few years ago, HPV wasn’t as publicly known as it is today. “This is probably because now, there is a new vaccination guarding against some strains of the virus,” says Michelson. The HPV vaccination, whose market name is Gardasil, consists of three shots over the course of six months, and studies indicate that it completely prevents people from contracting four cancer-causing strains of the virus. It’s recommended for girls before they start becoming sexually active (as young as 9 years old) or before the suggested age limit of 26. “The older the woman is, the more likely her sexual practices have subsided, or she is in a monogamous relationship,” says Michelson. But remember, it’s just a suggested age. Older women who are sexually active and not in monogamous relationships should still speak with their gynecologists about protecting themselves.

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.”