What is HPV?
HPV (human papalomavirus) is a virus that is common in the United States and around the world and can cause cancer and genital warts. HPV is spread through genital contact (such as vaginal and anal sex). There is about 100 type of HPV. HPV is the major cause of cervical cancer in women.
Who can get HPV?
Anyone who has ever had genital contact with another person may have HPV. Both men and women may get it—and pass it on – without even knowing it. You are more likely to get HPV if you have sex at an early age, many sex partners or a sex partner who has had many partners.
What are the symptoms of HPV?
Most people who have a genital HPV infection do not know they are infected. The virus lives in the skin or mucous membranes and usually causes no symptoms. Some people get visible genital warts, or have pre-cancerous changes in the cervix, vulva, anus, or penis. Very rarely, HPV infection results in anal or genital cancers.
What are genital warts?
Genital warts usually appear as soft, moist, pink, or flesh-colored swellings, usually in the genital area. They can be raised or flat, single or multiple, small or large, and sometimes cauliflower shaped. They can appear on the vulva, in or around the vagina or anus, on the cervix, and on the penis, scrotum, groin, or thigh. After sexual contact with an infected person, warts may appear within weeks or months, or not at all.
How can HPV be treated?
There is no treatment for HPV, but there are treatments for the health problems that HPV can cause, such as genital warts, cervical cell changes and cancers caused by HPV.
How are genital warts diagnosed and treated?
Genital warts are diagnosed by visual inspection. Visible genital warts can be removed by medications the patient applies, or by treatments performed by a health care provider. Some individuals choose to forego treatment to see if the warts will disappear on their own. No treatment regimen for genital warts is better than another, and no one treatment regimen is ideal for all cases.
Is there a test for HPV?
Yes. It tests for the kinds of HPV that may lead to cervical cancer. The FDA approved the test to be used at any age.
How do I prevent HPV?
The surest way to eliminate risk for genital HPV infection is to refrain from any genital contact with another individual.
For those who choose to be sexually active, a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner is the strategy most likely to prevent future genital HPV infections. However, it is difficult to determine whether a partner who has been sexually active in the past is currently infected.
For those choosing to be sexually active and who are not in long-term mutually exclusive relationship, reducing the number of sexual partners and choosing a partner less likely to be infected may reduce the risk of genital HPV infection. Partners less likely to be infected include those who have had no or few prior sex partners.
HPV infection can occur in both male and female genital areas that are covered or protected by a latex condom, as well as in areas that are not covered. While the effect of condoms in preventing HPV infection is unknown, condom use has been associated with a lower rate of cervical cancer, an HPV-associated disease.
What is the HPV vaccine?
The vaccine, Gardasil, is the first vaccine developed to prevent cervical cancer, precancerous lesions and genital warts.
Who should be vaccinated?
All girls and women ages 9-26 should be vaccinated and preferably before becoming sexually active.
How does the vaccine work?
The vaccine mimics the disease and creates resistance. It is NOT a live or dead virus. It prevents infections with HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18.
Is it safe?
The FDA has licensed the vaccine as being safe. Minor side effects such as redness or irritation at the site of injection have been reported.
Is it effective?
Gardasil is effective on preventing four types of HPV in young women who have not been previously exposed to HPV. The vaccine targets HPV types that cause up to 70 % of cervical cancers and about 90 % of genital warts. The vaccine will not treat existing HPV infections or their complications.
How is the vaccine given?
The vaccine is given in a series of three injections over a six-month period. The second and third dose should be given at two and six months (respectively) after the first dose.
What if I miss a dose?
Even if someone comes in late for the second or third injections, the vaccine will be given. You should wait at least three months between the second and third injections.
Will I need to get a booster shot later?
The length of the vaccine protections (immunity) is not usually known when a vaccine is first introduced. So far, studies have found that vaccinated persons are protected for five years. More research is being done to determine if a booster dose will be needed.
Do I need to continue my Pap tests?
The vaccine does not take the place of Pap tests (cervical cancer screenings). You should keep following your doctors or healthcare professional’s advice on getting Pap tests. A Pap test looks for abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix before they have a chance to become precancerous or cervical cancer. The vaccine will not eliminate the need for Pap tests.
How do I get the vaccine?
Contact your local Planned Parenthood Health Center for an appointment to speak to a courteous staff member about Gardasil.
Will the vaccine be covered by insurance?
Most insurance plans and managed care plans cover recommended vaccines. While some insurance companies may cover the vaccine, others may not. Contact your insurance company to verify coverage or contact your local Planned Parenthood Health Center and speak to a courteous staff member for assistance.
How can I get the vaccine if I don’t have insurance?
The Vaccine for Children (VFC) provides free or low cost vaccines to children and adolescents younger than 19 years of age or who are Medicaid-eligible. Individuals 19 years and older, who have no health insurance and meet financial criteria may qualify for the Merck Vaccine Patient Assistance Program to receive the vaccine at no charge. Contact your local Planned Parenthood Health Center for more details.
SOURCES/REFERENCES
For more information, check out these websites...
Gardasil - http://www.oneless.com/
Merck - http://www.merck.com/
Cervical Cancer - http://www.nccc-online.org/
