Question
If HPV high risk is detected during my PAP smear result, should I get vaccinated? Or is it too late for any benefit of a vaccine? I have been monogamous for the last 10 years. Also, what's the likelihood of getting cancer once HPV is detected?
Answer
High-risk HPV detection on a pap smear indicates you are at risk for developing cervical cancer at any point in the future.
With a healthy immune system, many women clear this, but sometimes severe cases require treatment. If you follow up with your doctor as they tell you, chances of getting cancer are very unlikely because we treat it in precancerous stages.
You should still get the HPV vaccine which protects you against four strains of the many strains of this virus. And it may confer immunity to strains you do not yet have, and it will help you clear your current strain.