It’s a new year, and we celebrate January as cervical cancer awareness month. Cervical Cancer Awareness is incredibly needed when the preventative measure for this cancer is mired in moral panic and pearl-clutching behaviors. 

So it’s time to talk (keep talking) about HPV vaccines, why they are important, and why there shouldn’t be any stigma around sexual pleasure. Let’s start by breaking down the basics of cervical cancer and how it can be prevented. 

What is cervical cancer? 

Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably on the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. This type of cancer is preventable and treatable if detected early enough. 

 Learn more about cervical cancer.

Why get the HPV vaccine? 

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If left untreated, HPV can cause several types of cancers in both men and women, including cervical cancer in women. The HPV vaccine helps protect against certain types of cervical cancer caused by the virus. It also helps protect against some other types of cancers such as anal, oropharyngeal (throat), penile, vaginal, and vulvar cancers in both men and women. There are three doses available for this vaccine, and it should be administered before anyone becomes sexually active or at least two weeks before their first sexual encounter.  Furthermore, the vaccine and our understanding of HPV continue to develop. Even recently, WHO announced that studies have shown that even one dose of the vaccine can provide “comparable efficacy and protection” as would two doses.  

You may wonder why there is a stigma surrounding getting this vaccine or even engaging in sexual activities. Here's where proper sex education comes into play. Just because someone gets the vaccine doesn't mean they will automatically engage in riskier forms of sex - proper sex education educates people on ways to reduce their risk for STIs and unplanned pregnancies so that everyone can make informed decisions about their bodies without shame or judgement.  

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You have a right to sexual pleasure

Let's not forget about pleasure! Sex education should not only focus on risk reduction but also include a discussion about pleasure-based sexuality that emphasizes respect for oneself and others, consent, communication skills, self-esteem building, gender equality, body acceptance, comprehensive contraception options, and healthy decision making around relationships. 

This type of education will ultimately help reduce stigma around sexual pleasure while simultaneously helping to prevent STIs like cervical cancer from spreading further than they already have. 

In conclusion, January is an important month for us to recognize cervical cancer awareness as well as understand all aspects of preventing it through proper sex education with an emphasis on reducing risks while still enjoying safe sex responsibly with respect for oneself and others involved. 

The HPV vaccine has been proven effective in protecting people from certain types of cancers caused by the virus; however, there still seems to be some hesitancy around getting it due to fear or stigma associated with anything related to sexual health topics - let's work together this month to raise awareness about these topics so that everyone can make informed decisions regarding their bodies without shame or judgement!  

Happy Cervical Cancer Awareness Month!

Rouse Relational Wellness is located in the Castro district of San Francisco, California. We provide sex-positive, trauma-informed therapy for individuals and relationships. If you would like to learn more about our services, please visit us here.