MIBlue Daily
Lindsay Knake
Cervical health is key for women’s physical and reproductive health. Here is a look at common myths around cervical health, cancer and the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Debunking Common Myths About Cervical Health
March 24, 2026
Myth: If you contract HPV, you will get cervical cancer.
Fact: About half of sexually active people will be exposed to HPV in their lifetime, but your body clears the infection on its own most of the time, according to the University of Washington Medicine. Developing cervical cancer is much more rare; about 13,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with cervical cancer annually.
Myth: You are only at risk of HPV if you are sexually active
Fact: HPV causes most cases of cervical cancer, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS), but there are a few other factors associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer:
- Chlamydia infection
- Long-term use of birth control pills
- Having three or more full-term pregnancies
- Having a child at age 20 or younger
- Family history
Myth: An abnormal Pap screening result means you have cancer.
Fact: Abnormal results do not automatically indicate cancer, according to the ACS. Some screenings are false positives. In some cases, abnormal results show cell changes that may never turn into cancer. Both may lead to further tests to determine the meaning of the results and whether a biopsy is required.
Myth: You have no symptoms, therefore you don’t have cancer.
Fact: Early stages of cervical cancer may not have any symptoms, which makes regular screenings key for detection. As cervical cancer advances, common symptoms include:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding, including after sex and between periods
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Pelvic pain
- Pain after sex