HPV: The Facts

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection, with over 40 HPV types that can infect men and women. Currently, approximately 20 million Americans are infected with HPV and 6 million people become newly infected each year. It can be passed on through oral, vaginal, or anal sex, even when the partner is showing no signs or symptoms. Most people do not go on to experience symptoms or health problems. In fact, in 90% of people infected, the immune system will eradicate the virus from the body in 2 years. Unfortunately, there is no way of knowing who will go on to experience health problems. Certain types of HPV can cause genital warts and warts in the throat, while others can cause cell abnormalities, which can lead to cancer. Cervical cancer is most commonly associated with HPV; however, HPV can cause vulva, vaginal, penis, anus, and head and neck cancer.  HPV types 16 and 18 cause about 70% of cervical cancers, and types 6 and 11 cause 90% of genital warts.

Each year, about 12,000 women get cervical cancer, with almost all being associated with HPV.  Of the less common cancers, each year 1,500 women get HPV-associated vulvar cancer, 500 women get HPV-associated vaginal cancer, 400 men get HPV-associated penile cancer, and 2,700 women and 1,500 men get HPV-associated anal cancer.

Prevention

The only sure way to prevent transmission of HPV is to refrain from any sexual activity. For those who choose to be sexually active, condoms can be used to lower the risk of transmission; however, the virus can infect areas not covered by the condom. Limiting the number of sexual partners one has, or being with people who have had few prior sexual partners, can also lower the risk. Vaccines are now available to protect against certain types of HPV.  There are two vaccines currently on the market: Gardasil and Cervarix.

Vaccine Information

Gardasil was approved in 2006 to protect against HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18. Gardasil is indicated in girls and women between the ages of 9 and 26 for the prevention of cervical, vulvar, vaginal, and anal cancer caused by HPV types 16 and 18, and also genital warts caused by types 6 and 11. Gardasil is also indicated in boys and men between the ages of 9 and 26 for the prevention of anal cancer caused by HPV types 16 and 18, and genital warts caused by types 6 and 11. The vaccine consists of three shots given over a 6 month time period. Clinical trials have shown Gardasil to be 98% effective at preventing cervical cancer and 100% effective at preventing vulvar and vaginal cancer in girls and women. Gardasil was also shown to be 99% and 89% effective at preventing genital warts in women and men, respectively. Studies have shown the vaccine to be long-lasting, with current studies indicating the vaccine is effective with no waning protection. This vaccine is routinely recommended for 11-12 year old girls; however, currently, the CDC has not recommended routine vaccination for males.

Cervarix was approved in 2009 to protect against HPV types 16 and 18. Cervarix is approved for use in females 9 through 25 years of age for the prevention of cervical cancer. Cervarix is not approved for use in males. The vaccine consists of three shots given over a 6 month time period. The duration of immunity following all three shots has not been established, but studies have shown that vaccine protection is long lasting. The CDC recommends girls between the ages of 11 and 12 are routinely vaccinated.

The vaccines do not protect against all types of HPV and cannot be used as treatment. Routine cervical cancer screening should be continued even if the vaccine is administered. Vaccination may not result in protection in all vaccine recipients.

For more information:

-www.cdc.gov/hpv

- http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/HPV

-www.gardasil.com

-www.cervarix.com