In 2008, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced some startling results of a recent study: one in four teenage girls in the U.S. carry a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Of the many STDs, the most common is the human papillomavirus, or HPV. Approximately 20 million people in the U.S., both male and female, are infected with the HPV virus, and over six million more will get HPV every year through sexual contact.
What is HPV?
Genital HPV is an infection that can affect the genital areas of males and females, and occasionally the mouth and throat, though many who carry HPV are not even aware they have it. More than 50% of sexually active men and women will have HPV at some point in their lives. A doctor can perform an HPV test along with a Pap test to determine if a patient has HPV. The HPV infection is transmitted through any sexual contact involving the genitals between men and women, and also between same sex partners. Because symptoms do not always appear, a person can carry the HPV virus for years after sexual contact with an infected person. In 90% of cases the body's immune system is able to clear the virus on its own.
HPV Can Lead to Certain Types of Cervical Cancer
While the body's own defenses are able to clear the HPV vaccine in most cases, HPV can also cause cells to turn abnormal and lead to cervical cancer in some patients. Of the 40 different types of HPV, there are two, types 16 and 18, which cause 70% of cervical cancers worldwide. Each year an estimated 10,000 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer, and 3,700 will die from it. There are also several other types of cancer that are closely linked to HPV incidence.
The HPV Vaccine, and Who Should Get It
Cervical cancer is now a preventable gynecological cancer. Two vaccines are available to protect girls and women against the four major types of HPV that cause cervical cancer and genital warts. These vaccines, Gardasil and Cervarix, are inactivated (not a live virus) and expected to be long-lasting and highly effective against the disease. The HPV vaccine is recommended for girls aged 11-12 but can be given to those as young as nine years of age. Ideally the vaccine is given to girls before they become sexually active and exposed to the HPV virus. The vaccine is also recommended for girls and women ages 13-26. The HPV vaccine is administered in a three-dose series, with the second and third doses given two months and six months after the first, respectively. Other vaccines can be given along with the HPV vaccine if for example a child is at an annual pediatrician check-up.
In addition, Gardasil is available to boys and men nine through 26 years of age, offering protection against most types of genital warts.
HPV Vaccine Safety
Both Gardasil and Cervarix have been extensively studied – 21,000 and 30,000 females participated in clinical trials for the vaccines, respectively. There have been few major side effects reported; the most common mild problems include pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site.
Who Should Not Get the HPV Vaccine
While the HPV vaccine is recommended by the CDC, the NIH, the FDA and many doctors, there are some individuals who should not receive the HPV vaccine. These include people with yeast allergies, or allergies to any other component of the HPV vaccine. Pregnant women are also advised against getting the vaccine until further studies can establish its safety on the mother and fetus. The HPV vaccine cannot protect against an infection that an individual may already have at the time of the vaccination.
Sources:
CDC.gov, "Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections..." (Accessed May 10, 2010)
CDC.gov, "Human Papillomavirus" (Accessed May 10, 2010)
FDA.gov, "FDA Approves New Vaccine for Prevention of Cervical Cancer" (Accessed May 10, 2010)
WebMD.com, "Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine: What You Need to Know" (Accessed May 10, 2010)
Phoebe Outerbridge - Phoebe Outerbridge has been a freelance writer for over 20 years, for clients as diverse as pharmaceutical companies, independent schools, ...
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