As a young woman who didn’t become sexually active until after high school; has had only 5 monogamous relationships and takes pride in her consistency of having PAP, breast, STD/HIV tests, which were always clear and free– I was truly stunned to have recently been diagnosed with HPV and a “moderate to severe” form of dysplasia. Just yesterday, I was finally treated via “leap procedure.”

While lying on that operating table, I felt an overwhelming sense of courage, knowing that I was bravely continuing on the unknown fear and unbelievable joy of a woman’s fertility. I was grateful that I live in a time and place where women can be so safely and properly treated. I also thought of the majority of women that cannot and who have not been. As the nurse held my hand, which was a comfort I was not expecting but greatly appreciated, I begin to think of the children I’d like to have and how I must protect them and myself, with even greater care, from now on. I mostly thought of my younger sister, and how I hope she and her girlfriends will become vaccinated against HPV Unfortunately, for a woman my age and others over 16, my insurance does not cover this vaccination and it would cost me $400. Lastly, I thought of my generation, the class of 2001, and how we never knew of this virus, or any vaccination for that matter- that’s how new this is! We had it drilled into our skulls to either abstain until marriage or have protected sex, while using birth control; and to always be tested- ALWAYS. And so that’s exactly what we did. But that still, as we now know, isn’t enough.

The “leap procedure” itself was minimal in pain and considerably quick. Believe me, I couldn’t have gotten done with it sooner. Today, I still feel slightly tired but I’m completely relieved.

I don’t want to hear the words “cerival cancer” mentioned again, especially not at 24.