HPV Vaccine
Statistics show that most sexually active people will contract some form of sexually transmitted HPV in their lifetime. At any given point in time, 1% of the sexually active population is said to be infected with genital warts. There are several types of HPV which can affect the genitals, and only a few of them can lead to cancer, but each year, cervical cancer kills more than 200,000 women worldwide, with about three fourths of these cases stemming from venereal HPV which developed into cancer.
It is not opinion but objective truth that the HPV vaccine is an excellent discovery. There has been some unfortunate controversy over the vaccine, but there should not be. Everybody should know about the HPV vaccine.
Why a vaccine?
We’ve always had condoms, but condoms, unfortunately, aren’t 100% safe. Even a properly manufactured and applied condom does not cover the surface surrounding the genitals, which can also carry the HPV viruses. The HPV vaccine has been shown to have a nearly 100% success rate.
So why the controversy?
The vaccine is most effective for women if received between the ages of 13 and 26 and before they become sexually active. Various parties have protested the education and administration of the vaccine to young people, saying that it serves as a virtual permission slip to have unprotected, promiscuous sex.
Personal values aside, the HPV vaccine might save millions of lives. For a time, a vaccine for HPV was considered a sort of “holy grail” of medicine. As there is no cure for HPV itself, only treatment for the symptoms, people suffering HPV have, in the past, generally been forced to resign themselves to the fate of being an HPV sufferer.
With the new vaccine, this doesn’t have to happen, and there is no reason that it should.
Spreading the Word
If you would like to do your part to spread the word on the HPV vaccine, well, it’s as simple as that: Just spread the word. Many people don’t know of the vaccine yet, and you just might save a life by telling anyone you know who is becoming sexually active. For parents, when you have “The Talk” with your kids, make sure they understand the danger of venereal disease and how to protect themselves.
The importance of proper sexual education transcends personal beliefs, it is, without a doubt, not so much of a matter of personal values as a matter of life or death in many cases. With the risk associated with sex these days, we simply cannot afford to be ignorant of STDs and their preventive measures. Contrary to the misconception of some, STDs don’t only infect promiscuous people: Nobody is impervious, and everyone is at risk.
The best way to guard yourself against HPV, HIV, and other STDs, is to read up on HPV info, get all the genital warts information available, to stay on top of new developments, and to always, always practice safe sex. Ask your doctor about the vaccine, ask about other STDs, and arm yourself with information and education, because in the end, that’s all we really have in the fight against sexually transmitted diseases.
It should be noted that the HPV vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women. Talk to your doctor about your eligibility before requesting an HPV vaccination for yourself or any minors in your guardianship.
.. k.p says:
I’ve had the hpv shot he first part and still contracted hpv. I havent gotten the other shot because im still in my waiting period to get them. its onyl been 6 months and its about time to get another one can anyone help me out?
January 21st, 2009 at 11:03 pm