HPV Facts
by Karen Platt

I’ve heard a lot about the new vaccine to protect girls from a virus that can cause cervical cancer. Should I have my daughter vaccinated? She’s only 11. Isn’t it a bit early to worry about sexually transmitted diseases?

It can be hard to think of an 11-year-old in the context of preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs). But vaccines are intended to be preventive medicine, not treatment, an important distinction as we sort through the information about Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and the new vaccine, Gardasil.
 
First, some basic facts about HPV. HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). More than 70 per cent of sexually active men and women will be infected with the virus at some point. That means, assuming we are sexually active, most of us have had, or will have some form of HPV in our lives. But, as with many STIs, there are often no signs or symptoms. We may never know we have an infection.

There are over 100 types of HPV. Some are harmless. Some cause common warts or plantar warts. More than 30 types of HPV are sexually transmitted—vaginally, orally, or anally —through skin-to-skin contact. Both males and females can be infected. You do not have to have intercourse to spread HPV.

HPV types are classified as “high-risk” or “low-risk;” they can cause genital or anal warts, pre-cancerous lesions or cancer of the cervix, anus, penis and other areas of the genitals. HPV has also been linked to diseases of the mouth, lungs and digestive tract. Some people believe oral sex is “safe” sex but it is not without risk. Condoms and dental dams can help prevent HPV transmission but they are not foolproof because they may not cover an infected area of skin.

Most people will “clear” an HPV infection from their bodies within two years but a small percentage won’t. Those people are at risk for recurring infections and pre-cancerous lesions that can progress to cancer if not treated. Researchers have found that four of the many types of HPV are particularly significant: types 16 and 18 cause about 70 per cent of all cervical cancers and types 6 and 11 are responsible for 90 per cent of genital warts. A physician can topically treat an outbreak of genital warts but there is no treatment for the virus itself.

The vaccine Gardasil was approved in Canada in August 2006 for use by women ages nine to 26. It acts to prevent infection from HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18 and is most effective when given before a person becomes sexually active. The vaccine is given in a series of three injections over six months; the second shot is given two months after the first one, the third at six months from the first.

The total cost of the vaccine is roughly $450. It is not yet covered under MSP but the Ministry of Health reports that it is planning to fund an HPV vaccine program beginning in September 2008; final details will be confirmed in the near future. Check for updates at www.bccdc.org.

Feelings about vaccinations, in general, can be mixed. Some parents wouldn’t allow their children out of the house if the kids weren’t immunized. Others are concerned about side effects and effectiveness, questioning whether vaccinations are beneficial or even necessary. Some parents are worried that vaccinations may even be harmful. Parents need to consider current research and information together with their values and doctor’s advice to reach an informed decision.

Remember, Gardasil does not replace Pap testing, which looks for abnormal cells in the cervix. These tests are an important part of a woman’s sexual health regime.

To find out more, talk to your family doctor or a physician at your local sexual health clinic. Also, visit www.hpvinfo.ca. Include your child in the discussion, particularly if she is a teenager. Understanding about STI prevention is part of making healthy decisions about sexuality throughout life.

Karen Platt, MA, is a sexual health educator who works with parents and youth. She is currently completing post-graduate studies in Sexual Health. Send questions to karen@islandparent.ca.