This email group is for women who have had abnormal pap smears, cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer

The majority of abnormal pap smears are due to abnormal cervix cells, these cervical changes are often caused by a sexually transmitted virus called the Human Papilloma virus (HPV). This virus is very insidious, and difficult to detect, especially in men, to date there is no test that can detect this virus in men, so unless they have a wart or a lover who's had an abnormal pap smear, chances are they won't know they carry the virus

There are about 70 strains of this wart virus, the strains that do not produce visible warts are more likely to cause cervical changes, some strains are linked to cervical cancer, so it is important to have annual pap smears, especially if you have unprotected sex

Planned Parenthood says 80% of the sexually active population carries the virus. Other sources report a slightly lower percentage. Either way, anyone who is having unprotected sex is at risk. Once you get a virus there is no way to get rid of it

Ask a new sex partner about previous pap smears, or lover's pap smears

Diagnosed with moderate to severe cervical dysplasia in June 2000, I chose to work with a Naturopathic doctor using an alternative treatment, rather than doing the doctor's suggested Leep procedure. I went for my follow up Pap in March 2001, and was very relieved and pleased to see a NORMAL result. So I encourage anyone faced with cervical dysplasia, to at least find out about alternatives before agreeing to invasive procedures

So I've started this email group to raise awareness, and to provide a place for those of us diagnosed with the HPVirus, cervical dysplasia, or who have had abnormal pap smears to come together and share what we are experiencing and what we are feeling. The anxiety caused by living with a virus that can cause cervical problems at anytime

I also created a website documenting my experience with cervical dysplasia