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HPV Vaccination

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) has been a hot topic for a while now, and for good reason. Did you know that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the US (CDC) estimated that at least 50% of sexually active people catch HPV in their lifetime? That is an alarming number. Other studies show that up to 75% of Canadians will have at least one HPV virus in their lifetime. With those kind of statistics it's very important we are all educated on HPV, the vaccination, and especially practising safe sex.

HPV is an STI which causes warts ranging from plantar to genital warts. There are over 100 different varieties. Some strains cause no harm and will clear up on their own. However, other strains, if they don't clear up, can cause diseases on the genital area including cervical cancer. You can have HPV without showing any signs, but this means you are a carrier and can still pass it along to your partner. Even without any visible signs, a woman can be tested for HPV during her Pap examination by having a swab taken. HPV is transmitted by skin-to-skin contact with the penis, scrotum, vagina, vulva, anus, and kissing or touching of genitals of an infected person. Penetration is not necessary. Condoms are an excellent way to reduce the chance of transmission.

Also a hot topic is the recently approved vaccination for HPV. The vaccine, named Gardasil, protects against certain strains of HPV and is only for women between the ages of 9 and 26. The vaccine will help protect against 4 types of HPV (6, 11, 16, and 18). Those four types cause approximately 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts. That said, there are numerous other varieties it does not protect against. Safe sex must still be practised. Click here for more information on Safe Sex.

To find out more about HPV and the vaccination, browse the following links:
HPV Info
Health Canada, HPV
Public Health Agency of Canada, HPV Vaccine
Canadian Federation for Sexual Health, HPV Vaccine
Gardasil

HPV Presentation

The following presentation is available for download: HPV Presentation