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STD
Advice Column
Is it True that there
is an HPV Vaccine?
I
heard that there is an HPV vaccine that cures
HPV. Is this true?
~
Want to be HPV Free
Dear Want to be HPV Free,
To date there is still no cure for people who have HPV. However, in June 2006,
an HPV vaccine was approved by the
FDC and recommended by the CDC, which when given to young girls before they
are sexually active, prevents four different types of HPV (types 6, 11, 16
and 18).
The HPV vaccine is called Gardasil and is created
by Merck. According to the makers:
"Gardasil
is for girls and women ages 9 to 26. Gardasil works
when given before you have any contact with HPV Types
6, 11, 16, and 18."
The
treatment is given in three doses and costs $120
per dose. Some insurance companies cover it as does
"Vaccines for Children."
At least 50% of sexually active people will get HPV
at some point of their lives. It's hoped that this new
vaccine will prevent the spread of four types of HPV.
More vaccine research is being conducted now in order
to attack more types of HPV in women.
According to the CDC:
"Studies
have found the vaccine to be almost 100% effective
in preventing diseases caused by the four HPV types
covered by the vaccine– including precancers
of the cervix, vulva and vagina, and genital warts.
The vaccine has mainly been studied in young women
who had not been exposed to any of the four HPV types
in the vaccine.
The
vaccine was less effective in young women who had
already been exposed to one of the HPV types covered
by the vaccine. This vaccine does not treat existing
HPV infections, genital warts, precancers or cancers."
So
to answer your question: there is no cure for HPV
or any cure on the immediate horizon. However, research
into vaccines is very promising with one effective
vaccine out now and more in the works to address
the different types of HPV.
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Only a physician can properly diagnose whether or
not you have an STD. Thus it is important that you
get an STD test done if you have a concern. None of the
advice given in this column is a substitute for physician
advice.
If you think you may have a sexually transmitted
disease, you should see a physician immediately to
be properly diagnosed and treated. You should not try
to diagnose or treat symptoms on your own.
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