Whatever may be regarded as ideal sexual practices to reduce the incidence of sexually transmitted infections including HPV, and subsequent development of cervical cancer, unfortunately we still live in a world where many women have no choice in these matters. Many countries report the incidence of rape at about 28 per 100 000 of population (Gazette Review, 2017) though true rates are likely to be much higher due to under-reporting. This is so much more than being about morals and values. Of course many of these women do not have adequate access to care after such sexual assault and may be unaware of potential longer term adverse consequences to their health.
Competing interests:
No competing interests
28 August 2017
Jill E Thistlethwaite
General practitioner and health professional educator
Rapid Response:
Re: Discussing human papilloma virus vaccination
Whatever may be regarded as ideal sexual practices to reduce the incidence of sexually transmitted infections including HPV, and subsequent development of cervical cancer, unfortunately we still live in a world where many women have no choice in these matters. Many countries report the incidence of rape at about 28 per 100 000 of population (Gazette Review, 2017) though true rates are likely to be much higher due to under-reporting. This is so much more than being about morals and values. Of course many of these women do not have adequate access to care after such sexual assault and may be unaware of potential longer term adverse consequences to their health.
Competing interests: No competing interests