By Angela Roe
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association has reported that Gardasil, the human papillomavirus vaccine, is safe and shown to be no riskier than most other vaccines. Fainting and developing blood clots are amongst the side effects, but the risk of these is small.
Twenty-five percent of American girls between the ages 13 to 17 have been given at least one round Gardasil, which has be purported as a way to prevent cervical cancer.
Regardless of this new study, many doctors still question if the HPV vaccine is actually beneficial. HPV is a sexually transmitted disease that can cause cervical cancer and genital warts. Have you been vaccinated? Would you vaccinate your daughter?
Warts and the Papillomavirus
HPV, or human papillomavirus, refers to more than 100 forms of virus which cause warts, or papilloma, on the hands, feet or genital regions. Genital HPV infections are spread through sexual contact and are extremely common, as genital warts are so small that they often go undetected. HPV can be especially hard to see when located inside of the cervix. Genital HPV can be spread to other parts of the body, including the mouth and throat during oral sex.
The HPV-Cancer Connection
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States as it is extremely difficult to detect. Often there are no symptoms and occasionally the problem can; however does not always, go away on its own without any medical consequences. While the papilloma growths themselves are completely benign, or non-cancerous, when gone untreated for long periods of time they can begin to cause cell abnormalities, leading to cervical cancer.
Get Tested
HPV is one of the leading causes of cervical cancer, yet it is extremely difficult to detect without the help of proper testing. It is important that all sexually active women have a yearly pap smear which can detect abnormal cells. Additionally, there are now HPV tests which can detect the actual virus itself and is most often performed at the same time as your yearly exam. If you feel you may be at risk for HPV, it is a good idea to request the additional HPV test during your next exam, as a pap smear may not always detect the virus.
Remove the Warts
While occasionally HPV seems to run its course and go away on its own, that is not always the case. If your doctor detects the presence of HPV, papilloma or warts, can be surgically removed; however, the virus which causes the warts is still present. Removing the warts will reduce the chances of abnormal cell formation and cervical cancer; however, your yearly exam will become even more important once HPV has been detected. Warts may return at any time and should be removed as soon as possible.
The Power of Prevention
There are a number of ways that you can prevent an HPV infection, including abstinence from sex or using condoms each and every time that you have sexual intercourse. Additionally, there is now a vaccine available for HPV. The vaccine is most useful when administered before a girl becomes sexually active; however, it can be given to females between the ages of 9 and 26. The HPV vaccine cannot protect you from cervical cancer if you already have HPV and only covers about 90 percent of the papilloma viruses which may cause cervical cancer.
LIVESTRONG.COM is designed to inspire people to change their lives, help themselves and help others. For more on this topic, visit http://www.LIVESTRONG.com.
About this Author
Angela Roe is an accomplished journalist who has published on a range of health- and sports-related topics including golf, gymnastics and BMX biking. She's a former competitor in track, swimming, gymnastics and skating. Her current interests include inline skating and playing disc golf.
