Genital Warts and the HPV Vaccination
There is a vaccine that can protect young women and men against HPV (Human Papillomavirus). There are many different strands of the HPV virus. However, there are only a few that cause genital warts. Genital warts are one of the leading causes of cervical cancer in women. Young women and men have about a 90% chance of being protected against genital warts, and women also have about 75% chance protection of cervical cancer, with the vaccine Gardasil. There is also the vaccine Ceravix, which has been approved in women for protection against cervical cancer. Ceravix is not used to protect individuals against genital warts.
Genital warts are also known as venereal warts. It has become a very common sexually transmitted disease among many individuals. Genital warts can be found on the vulva, vagina walls, penis, anus, mouth, and in the throat. Genital warts infect the soft and moist tissue. It appears as flesh colored bumps, which are itchy and extremely uncomfortable. Genital warts can appear as single bumps or multiple bumps, which appears as clusters. These bumps will take on the appearance of cauliflower. During the early stages of genital warts individuals may have no visible symptoms. The warts usually appear within a week or month after a person is infected. Genital warts are highly contagious and can be spread from one sexual partner to the next. It is believed about 1% of adults have been infected with at least one strand of HPV, during some point in their life. Genital warts are a very serious health concern. It carries the same virus which causes cervical cancer.
Gardasil is a Merck &Co. drug. It is a vaccination for both, young girls and boys between the ages of 9-26. Gardasil has been licensed by the FDA and CDC as being a safe and effective medication. Gardasil is best used, when there has been no exposure to the HPV virus. But even if you have been sexually involved, you can still be vaccinated. It is possible to not have been exposed to any or all of the types of HPV. Gardasil will protect against any of the types of HPV individuals have not been exposed to. Gardasil is given in a period of six months with three injection dosages of medication. Individuals cannot acquire HPV from taking the Gardasil vaccination. The vaccine contains a protein that helps build the immune system. Gardasil will not give full protection over every type of cervical cancer. The duration of Gardasil is not known.
There are no treatments for the Human Papillomavirus, only the diseases that are associated with the virus. It is best for individuals to protect themselves from acquiring the disease. Individuals may use condoms, but this does not protect individuals completely from the virus. Areas that a condom may not cover can be exposed to the virus. This will make individuals still susceptible to acquiring the virus.
Individuals should start planning ahead to protect themselves or their children. It is important to talk to your physician about the different HPV vaccines and their side effects.
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