Pace Paw Print

Media Credit: cnn.com The Center for Disease Control and Prevention found these statistics based on variable studies.

Many people do not realize that, even with condom use, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) can still be spread from partner to partner. Unfortunately, condoms do not offer 100 percent protection because condoms do not cover the entire genital area. However, studies have shown that the use of condoms reduces the risk of contracting HPV by 70 to 80 percent.

Currently, there are over 100 different strains of the virus; 30 of them transmitted sexually. Those classified as "high-risk" lead to cervical, vaginal, anal, or penis cancer. High-risk types of the virus are identifiable on a pap smear, an examination used to test the abnormalities of the cells of the cervix and/or vagina.

Another test has been made available that is specific for detecting HPV. The test uses DNA probes that detect the presence of high-risk HPV that may be cancerous. The HPV DNA test was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in March 2000. The test helps determine if further evaluation is needed.

There are no HPV tests that exist for men.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most people who contract HPV do not know because symptoms are not always present. If visible signs are detectable then genital warts are often seen. Warts appear as raised or flat, in a variety of sizes and amounts. After contact with an infected person, it may take weeks to months for warts to appear, if they do appear at all.

If warts are present, a health care provider can provide medication that is applied to the area, or the warts can be removed. Other treatment options are also available.

There is no cure for HPV; however, if noncancerous, it may disappear on its own. When treatment is needed, it is focused on correcting damage to skin or mucous membranes caused by HPV.

Most recently, a vaccine called Gardasil was released on the market. Gardasil is used like other vaccines, and specifically helps prevent cervical cancer and genitals warts caused by four types of HPV: HPV 6, 11, 16, and 18.

According to www.gardasil.com, HPV 16 and 18 are responsible for seventy percent of cervical cancer, while HPV 6 and 11 account for ninety percent of genital warts.

Gardasil is administered over a six month period, totaling three injections. Injections may cause swelling, itching, pain, and redness at the injection site. Furthermore, fever, nausea, and dizziness are all possibilities.

It is important to note that Gardasil does not offer 100 percent protection against HPV. In addition, the vaccine is used specifically for cervical cancer caused by HPV. Therefore, it does not protect individuals from cervical cancer resulting from other causes. It must also be given before a woman is infected.

Gardasil has been approved for females from ages nine and above. It has been recommended from the CDC that girls aged 11 and 12 receive the vaccine.

One study conducted argued that all women between the ages of 19 and 26 should have received the vaccine "regardless of their backgrounds" and risk factors.

However, the American Cancer Society believes there is not enough evidence showing that all women between these ages should be vaccinated. A study was performed and showed that only nine percent of women tested positive for about one of the four types of HPV. Not one out of the 3,276 women involved in the study tested positive for all four types of HPV.

The CDC states that the only way to eliminate chances of HPV infection is to refrain from genital contact from other individuals. The use of condoms helps reduce the risk by 70 to 80 percent and therefore should be worn during sexual intercourse.

The CDC has also reported that there are nearly 20 million males and females infected with HPV. Annually, 6.2 million Americans are infected with different strains of the virus. By the age of 50, they predict that 80 percent of women will have been infected with genital HPV.

Even though HPV is easily transmittable, it can still be prevented. If individuals are safe and know their partner, along with being vaccinated with Gardasil, the chance of becoming infected is reduced tremendously. However, the best person to discuss further questions is with one's doctor.

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