HPV: Human Papillomavirus
How can I avoid HPV?
Vaccination
The FDA has approved a vaccine (Gardasil) that protects against four strains of HPV for use in women, ages 9-26. These four strains cause approximately 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts.
The vaccine is given as a series of three injections. The first dose can be given at any time. The second dose follows 2 months after the first dose, and the third dose is given 6 months after the first dose. At the Duke Student Health Center, each injection costs $140.
The HPV vaccine is now available at the Duke Student Health Center. Students who are interested in receiving the vaccine should call 681-WELL to schedule an appointment to receive their first vaccination. Students who believe they may be at risk for HPV infection, but are over the age of 26 should discuss the issue with their health care provider to determine if vaccination a good choice for them. Students who have questions about the vaccine and would like to know more before deciding whether to schedule an appointment to receive the vaccine can speak one-on-one with a health educator by calling 681-WELL and requesting an HPV consult with Lindsey Bickers Bock. You can also review the Centers for Disease Control's (CDC's) Vaccine Information Sheet on the HPV Vaccine for more valuable information on HPV and the HPV vaccine.Safer Sex
Lifetime mutual monogamy and abstinence are the best strategies for prevention.
Condom use has been shown to be successful in reducing the risk of HPV transmission during sexual activity by preventing the virus from coming in contact with susceptible skin areas. However, since HPV can infect the scrotum and vulva, transmission can occur outside condom-covered areas.
See " Safer Sex" for more information about using condoms and other safer sex supplies to protect yourself from HPV.
Will vaccination help me if I already have HPV?
You may benefit from receiving the HPV vaccine (Gardasil) if you already have HPV or have had an abnormal Pap smear. This is because most people are not infected with all four types of HPV contained in the vaccine. Clinical trials have shown that individuals who have a current or past infection with one of the four strains of HPV that the vaccine protects against are protected from disease caused by the remaining vaccine HPV types. However, the vaccine is not intended to be used for treatment of existing HPV infections.
Want to know more?
Read about:
HPV transmission
HPV diagnosis
HPV treatment
HPV resources
Reviewed by the Office of Health Promotion, August 2007.