What You Think You Know About HPV and Cervical Cancer Versus the Medical Facts
It’s a scary truth: HPV myths are everywhere, and they’re keeping people misinformed. Misinformation keeps our women and girls unprotected and vulnerable to high-risk strains of HPV and then cervical cancer. It also shames women into silence. With the #StopHPVForHer campaign, we’re cutting through the noise with facts. The truth is, cervical cancer is almost entirely preventable. We want to put that power back into your hands. What matters is getting the facts right and having accurate information, accessible vaccination, and regular screening. Below, we tackle the biggest myths about HPV, cervical cancer, and prevention. We’ve also compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions about the HPV vaccine, because you deserve clear answers to protect your daughter and yourself too. The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Only people who are promiscuous get HPV False. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Most sexually active people will get HPV at some point, even those in monogamous relationships. HPV is rare False. It is so common that nearly all sexually active men and women will get at least one type of HPV during their lives. If I have HPV, I will definitely develop cancer False. In 9 out of 10 cases, the body’s immune system clears the HPV infection naturally within two years. Cancer only occurs when a high-risk HPV infection persists. HPV only affects women False. HPV affects men as well, causing anal, penile, throat, and head/neck cancers, and genital warts. You can only get HPV through penetrative sex False. HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact, often during intimate contact, not just intercourse. Condoms prevent HPV transmission Partially true, but misleading. Condoms can lower the risk, but they don’t cover all genital skin, so HPV transmission is still possible. HPV is the same as HIV or Herpes False. HPV is a different virus. Unlike HIV, most HPV infections are harmless and clear up on their own. The HPV vaccine is only for teenagers False. While most effective when given early (9-14), the vaccine is recommended for individuals up to age 26 who haven’t been vaccinated, and some adults up to 45 may decide to get it after consulting their doctor. Please consult your doctor for medical advice. If I have warts, I will get cancer False. Genital warts are caused by low-risk types of HPV (usually types 6 and 11), which do not cause cervical cancer. HPV only affects older people False. Research from the USA shows that HPV infection rates are highest among young adults and teenagers. I have to have symptoms to have HPV False. HPV is often called the “silent infection” because most people with the virus have no signs or symptoms and never know they have it. If my daughter gets the vaccine, she will become promiscuous False. Studies globally have shown no link between receiving the HPV vaccine and an increase in sexual activity or risk-taking behavior in adolescents. The vaccine is not safe; it causes serious side effects False. Research from global health organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) confirms that the HPV vaccine has been rigorously tested and is proven to be safe and highly effective. Data shows that serious side effects are rare. The most common side effects are mild and short-term, like soreness or redness at the injection site. If I’m already sexually active, the vaccine won’t work False. Even if you’ve been exposed to one type of HPV, the vaccine can still protect you against other types you haven’t contracted yet. Consult with your doctor for medical advice and screening. Only women who have had many partners need the vaccine False. The vaccine protects against low and high-risk HPV types, and even a person with only one partner is at risk of exposure. The vaccine also protects against low risk HPV types that cause genital warts. I can get tested for HPV with a blood test False. The HPV test for cancer screening uses a swab of cervical cells. There is no standard blood test for HPV. Once I clear HPV, I am immune forever False. While your body can clear an infection, it does not make you immune to contracting HPV in the future. HPV is preventable by using antibiotics False. HPV is a virus, and antibiotics are ineffective against it. Vaccination is the primary prevention tool. My daughter is too young to think about HPV False. Health experts have selected ages 9-14 are the optimal time for vaccination because it targets protection before any potential exposure and research suggests a stronger immune response. If I have a new partner, I need an HPV test right away False. Routine HPV screening is only done as part of cervical cancer screening, typically starting from the age of 21 to 65. It’s once every 3 years if you do the Pap smear VIA or VILI, and once every 5 years if you do the HPV DNA testing. Cervical Cancer Cervical cancer is hereditary False. Cervical cancer is primarily caused by persistent high-risk type HPV infection, not genetics. Cervical cancer is always a death sentence False. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and curable cancers if detected and treated early. Once I’m vaccinated, I never need screening False. The vaccine protects against the most common high-risk types, but regular screenings (Pap smears and HPV tests) are still necessary. Cervical cancer is the same as uterine cancer False. Cervical cancer starts in the cervix (the lower part of the uterus); uterine cancer starts in the main body of the uterus (endometrium). The only symptom of cervical cancer is abnormal bleeding False. While abnormal bleeding is common, other symptoms can include pelvic pain, pain during sex, or unusual discharge. I am too old to worry about cervical cancer False. While the risk is present in younger women, most cervical cancer diagnoses occur in women over the age of 40. Cervical cancer is caused by stress or poor diet False. While lifestyle factors affect overall health, the direct cause of
Why Your Mental Health Matters as an Entrepreneur
Introduction: The Hidden Side of Hustle Entrepreneurship is often romanticized as freedom — freedom to create, to lead, to innovate. But what’s rarely talked about is the emotional weight of being the one who holds the vision, the payroll, and the pressure to “keep it all together.” For many African women entrepreneurs, the hustle culture is real — juggling business, family, finances, and expectations. Yet behind every success story, there’s often a silent battle with stress, anxiety, and burnout. Your mental health is not a luxury or a side project. It’s the engine that drives your creativity, leadership, and long-term sustainability. The Connection Between Mental Health and Entrepreneurship Entrepreneurship isn’t just a career; it’s a lifestyle that can blur the lines between personal well-being and business demands. Studies show that entrepreneurs are twice as likely to experience depression and three times more likely to struggle with addiction than traditional employees. Why? Because founders often carry the emotional weight of: When your mind is overwhelmed, your productivity, innovation, and resilience all take a hit. Why Prioritizing Mental Health Boosts Productivity Many entrepreneurs think rest is a reward for success — but in truth, it’s the fuel for it.Here’s how a healthy mind makes you a stronger business leader: The Burnout Cycle (and How to Break It) Burnout often creeps in quietly — late nights, skipped meals, canceled social plans — until suddenly you’re running on empty. Signs of burnout include: To break the cycle: Practical Self-Care Tips for African Women Entrepreneurs The Bigger Picture: Redefining Strength As African women leaders, we’re often taught that strength means endurance — keep going no matter what. But true strength is in awareness, balance, and sustainability. Your business is an extension of you. If you thrive, it thrives.Investing in your mental health is one of the most powerful business decisions you can make. Let’s shift the narrative. Success isn’t about how much you hustle — it’s about how well you honor your humanity while building your dreams. So, the next time you feel guilty for resting, remember: you are the most important asset your business has. Protect your peace, nurture your joy, and watch your impact multiply.
5 Ways to Improve your Reproductive Health
As women, we take our reproductive health seriously. With our periods coming in every month, a lot of us are faced with a lot of discomfort and irritation. In the long run, this paves the way for disruptions to our daily lives. While taking a painkiller and/or using a hot water bottle may work for many women, it is not as simple for some of us because we may suffer from the following disorders: Endometriosis Ovarian cysts Gynecologic cancer Uterine fibroids Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Depending on the severity of the disorder, we can experience symptoms before, during and after our monthly menstrual cycles. This makes it hard for us to function optimally in our daily lives and careers. If you suffer from a reproductive health disorder, here are some tips to help improve your reproductive health so it doesn’t affect the world: Consult a doctor According to the World Health Organization (WHO), sexual and reproductive health problems are responsible for one-third of health issues for women between the ages of 15 and 44 years. The first step in taking charge of your sexual and reproductive health is to consult a medical doctor and get professional help. This will help you diagnose and find a solution for your disorder. Learn as much as you can A healthy you can only make you more productive and successful. The best way to achieve better reproductive health is to learn as much as you can about your disorder. This includes knowing all the do’s and don’ts and what short term and long-term treatments are most advisable. Consult your doctor and also do some in-depth research on the best diets, treatment, herbal remedies and exercise regiments. The more you know, the better. Use an ovulation calendar app An ovulation calendar helps you track your period. Knowing when your period starts, helps you plan your work in time and meet deadlines. With an ovulation calendar, you are able to take note of inconsistencies with your monthly period, note your symptoms, the heaviness of your menstruation flow, mood and the kind of vaginal discharge at different times. Ovulation calendar apps are available on the Android and IOS App stores. Talk about your disorder with your manager or co-workers This may seem rather daunting and uncomfortable, but disclosing your disorder to your manager or co-worker(s) benefits you. Through discussion with your team and disclosing your symptoms, you can discuss available options such as working from home on certain days, negotiating your hours for certain days of the month or moving your deadlines to earlier days so that your work does not suffer. Talking about menstruation and reproductive health should not be a taboo. The more women talk about reproductive health, the more people get to know about the different issues they face. Don’t be hard on yourself A healthy you is a productive and successful you. It’s okay to rest when you need to. It’s also okay to ask for help from your co-workers and/or business partners when your health impacts your work. For more articles to help you get ahead in your personal life, business and career, visit SheLeadsAfrica.org