The primary cause of most cases of cervical cancer is human papillomavirus, one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the U.S. today. According to the CDC, more than 20,000 potentially preventable HPV-related cancer cases are diagnosed and 4,000 women die of HPV-related cervical cancer every year. There are more than 40 strains of the virus, some of which can cause genital warts, oral cancer and cervical cancer. The virus rarely has any symptoms, which is why prevention is so crucial.
The HPV vaccine is designed to prevent the most common cancer causing HPV strains. Two different human papilloma virus vaccines are currently available: Cervarix and Gardasil. Both are highly effective and can also help prevent the spread of precancerous lesions in the cervix.
The Centers for Disease Control has recommended that all girls between 11 and 13 should receive the three-shot dose of either Gardasil or Cervarix. Young women between 13 and 26 who have not yet received the vaccine should get it as soon as possible. Gardasil has been licensed and recommended for all males and females between the ages of 9 and 26, including gay and bisexual men and men who are HIV-positive.
Because the virus can be transmitted through any contact with an infected person’s genitals, the CDC recommends that either Gardasil or Cervarix be administered before sexual activity begins. Ideally, all three shots in the series will be completed before sexual activity. The HPV vaccine offers no protection against other STIs and does not take the place of condoms in safer sexual activities. However, condoms and the vaccine can work together to reduce the overall risk of contracting HPV. The vaccine also does not treat or eliminate current infections, and adult women should continue to receive cervical cancer screenings even if they have been vaccinated.
These vaccines can play an important role in saving lives. Education about safer sex including condom use can help protect sexually active males and females. As with all drugs, there may be side effects. Most commonly, patients report headache, fever and injection site pain. Studies have found no evidence of safety concerns or serious reactions.
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