Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that can lead to cervical cancer, genital warts, and other cancers.
HPV is a virus that infects the genital area and the cervix. There are many
different types of the HPV. Some types cause genital warts that are unpleasant but not dangerous. Other types do cause cervical cancer.
HPV is probably the most common sexually transmitted infection.
HPV is passed with sexual activity. The best way to prevent HPV infection is to abstain from sexual activity. You can
lower your chance of getting HPV by having sex with only one person who is not infected with HPV. But many people who have
HPV do not even know it. Condoms can also reduce the chance of sexual transmitted infections, but they do dot provide complete protection.
The PAP test can detect early cervical damage and cancer. However the PAP test does not prevent the development of cervical cancer.
There are now two vaccines that can help prevent HPV infection. Both vaccines protect against the two HPV strains that cause about 70%
of all cervical cancer. One of the vaccines, Gardasil, also protects against the two strains that commonly cause genital warts. Both vaccines
are given as a series of three injections.
The HPV vaccins are recomended to give to girls age 11 to 12.