HPV

• According to the National Cancer Institute, there are more than 100 types of HPVs. Some cause problems as simple as warts, but several types cause can more severe problems, including cervical cancer. It is estimated that more than 10,000 women in the United States die each year from HPV infection-related cervical cancer (see Reference 1). HPV infections are often symptom-free and can go undetected for years, leading to long-range problems.
  
  

Prevention

• HPVs can cause a variety of genital infections and are transmitted between sexual partners. Both males and females can contract genital HPV infections. The best prevention is to abstain from sex. If that is unlikely, the next best idea is to choose your sex partner carefully because promiscuous sexuality on the part of either partner multiplies the risks for both partners. Condom use is advised for all sexual contact, although condoms do not protect the entire genital/anal area during intercourse, meaning that the spread of infection still can occur.
  
  

Vaccine

• Gardasil is recommended for girls 11 years old and older. It protects against HPV types 6 and 11, which cause genital warts, and types 16 and 18, which account for a majority of cervical cancers. The vaccine is given in three doses over an eight-month time frame. The length of efficacy is yet to be determined.
  
  

Dangers

• The FDA assures that because the vaccine is not made from any form of the virus, either live or dead, it cannot increase your risk of cervical cancer (see Reference 2).
  
  Other problems, however, such as blood clots, miscarriages and even deaths, have prompted lawsuits in several states, with some lawyers claiming that Merck, the product's developer, has purposely misled the public about the safety of Gardasil (see Reference 3).
  
  

Benefits

• Although still to be studied in the long-term, Gardasil has been shown to kill certain HPVs and, therefore, to prevent many types of cervical cancer. Young females and their parents and caregivers should discuss both the benefits and risks with their physicians in order to make an informed decision. Other factors, such as family history of cancer or low probability of sexual behavior, will help determine this decision for each individual.