Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus transmitted through any kind of gential contact with someone who has HPV. Many people who have HPV don’t know it, because the virus often has no signs or symptoms, which means the virus may be passed to a partner without knowing it. HPV will affect an estimated 75% to 80% of males and females in their lifetime. For most, HPV clears on its own. But, for others who don’t clear certain types, HPV can cause genital warts in both males and females and may cause more serious problems including cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers in females.
There are dozens of types of HPV, however there are 4 types that are important to understand, because they cause the most cases of HPV-related diseases in males and females. HPV types 6 and 11 cause about 90% of genital warts cases in females and males. HPV types 16 and 18 cause about 75% of cervical cancer cases, 70% of vaginal cancer cases, and up to 50% of vulvar cancer cases in females.
There are currently two vaccinations on the market to prevent certain types of HPV. They are Gardasil and Cervarix.
Gardasil is manufactured by Merck Pharmaceuticals. It has been on the market for a couple of years. It helps protect against 4 types of HPV. In girls and young women ages 9 to 26, Gardasil helps protect against 2 types of HPV (HPV 16 and 18) that cause about 75% of cervical cancer cases, 70% of vaginal cancer cases, and up to 50% of vulvar cancer cases; and 2 more types (HPV 6 and 11) that cause 90% of genital warts cases. In boys and young men ages 9 to 26, Gardasil helps protect against 90% of genital warts cases.
Cervarix is manufactured by GSK Pharmaceuticals. It has just recently come on the market. It helps protect against the 2 types of HPV. In girls and young women ages 10 to 25, Cervarix helps protect against 2 types of HPV (HPV 16 and 18) that cause about 75% of cervical cancer cases, 70% of vaginal cancer cases, and up to 50% of vulvar cancer cases. Cervarix is not currently approved for use in males.
Be informed! Do you research! And if Gardasil or Cervarix is right for you or your children, talk to your health care professional.
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