Facts About the HPV Vaccine

Overview

In 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of Gardasil, a vaccine developed by Merck, to prevent precancerous genital warts and cervical cancer that may result from infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). Although the vaccine appears to be effective against these and other sexually transmitted cancers, it is highly controversial.

HPV

There are many types of HPV, a viral infection that targets the genital areas of both men and women. According to the Centers for Disease Control, at least half of all sexually active men and women contract HPV during their lives. More often than not, however, people with HPV are healthy and unaware that they have the virus because there are no symptoms. In all but 10 percent of cases, the infection goes away on its own within two years.

One type of HPV causes genital warts that are contagious and spread through sexual contact. After contact with an infected person, it may take weeks or months for the warts to appear, so the virus can be unknowingly spread during that time. Warts may go away on their own but if left untreated, they can also multiply and spread over the groin area. Genital warts do not turn into cancer but other strains of HPV virus can cause different types of genital cancers.

Gardasil

The Gardasil vaccine is approved for use in girls as young as nine and recommended for 11- and 12-year-olds. One of several reasons the vaccine is controversial is that FDA took only six months to review and approve the drug. Rare but serious side effects and deaths have occurred after vaccination with Gardasil, and nothing is known about its long-term effectiveness or safety. There is also some question as to whether or not the vaccine is actually necessary or worth the risk of possible long-term side effects.

Although the vaccine is currently approved only for use in females, clinical trials began in 2008 to determine its effectiveness in boys and men ages 16 to 26. The studies pointedly include subgroups of gay men because the highest rates of HPV-related cancers in males are among men who have sex with men.

Pros

Vaccinations given before people become sexually active will protect against genital warts and most forms of cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus and mouth as well as some rare penile cancers.

Cons

Additional research and studies need to be performed to guarantee the long-term effectiveness and safety of the vaccine.

Some people feel that a vaccination to prevent sexually transmitted diseases will encourage more teenagers to have sex and participate in risky sexual behavior. Also, HPV vaccines do not protect against all types of HPV and genital cancers or any other types of sexually transmitted infections so the vaccine may confer a false sense of protection.

Alternatives

Precancerous conditions in the cervix can be detected, and cervical cancer often prevented, with routine gynecological exams, pap smears and regular follow-up.

Properly used condoms can reduce the risk of HPV infection, however, they are not 100-percent effective because HPV can infect areas of the body not protected by a condom. Limiting your number of sex partners can also help lower your risk.