TER General Board
Re:Interesting
HPV is the Human Papilloma Virus. It is not actually one single virus, but rather more than 100 different strains. It is the virus that causes genital warts. Although many different strains exist, there are four known strains of the virus that can lead to cervical cancer in women. The actual infection rate of all forms of HPV is estimated to be 80% of the population.
With regard to the vaccine the purpose is to prevent infection with the four known strains that lead to cervical cancer. It does not protect against other strains of the virus that are benign.
February 28, 2007
One in four U.S. women ages 14 to 59 is infected with the sexually transmitted virus that in some forms can cause cervical cancer, according to the first extensive national estimate.
The highest prevalence--nearly 45 percent--was found in young females within the age range recommended for a new vaccine, according to a report from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The figure is mostly in line with previous assessments.
Chicago Tribune:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-0702280068feb28,1,4083866.story?coll=chi-news-hed
that the article really says nothing about symptoms or what HPV itself does. Talks about what it can lead to, but not what it is.
HPV is the Human Papilloma Virus. It is not actually one single virus, but rather more than 100 different strains. It is the virus that causes genital warts. Although many different strains exist, there are four known strains of the virus that can lead to cervical cancer in women. The actual infection rate of all forms of HPV is estimated to be 80% of the population.
With regard to the vaccine the purpose is to prevent infection with the four known strains that lead to cervical cancer. It does not protect against other strains of the virus that are benign.
Be selective. And screen, screen, screen...
1. HPV is incredibly common among sexually active adult women. One poster in this thread said 80%; I've heard and read up to 90%.
2. While it is literally true that HPV is spread by sexual contact, preventive measures like condoms of screening arent much help here. Plus there's no reliable test for whether a man has HPV so no way for a guy to be sure whether he's a carrier or not.
3. What's bad about HPV? Some strains of HPV are a statistical pre-cursor to cervical cancer, suggesting a woman cant have the second without having the first. Hence the theory behind the new vaccine.
4. What am I doing about HPV in terms of the hobby? Nothing. There's nothing to do beyond the measures I'm already taking to avoid other STDs.
5. What am I doing about HPV in my personal life? Making sure my daughter gets the shot.
And the 80% statistic you are referring to is how many women will contract HPV in their lifetime, not how many currently have it. Like most viruses, HPV in most women clears up on its own - kind of like the flu or cold virus.
HPV is spread thru sexual contact and condoms and screening do help. If you practice safe sex with individuals who practice safe sex your likelyhood of catching any STD is greatly decreased.
As for the cervical cancer, HPV can causes a certain kind of cervical cancer, as there is more than one. However, much like most cancers, there are many factors (overall health, lifestyle/eating habits & genes), which contribute to one contracting cancer.
Do not live your life IN fear, live your life INformed.
-- Modified on 2/28/2007 2:40:44 PM
Great post. Sometimes we worry for nothing.
Those are very good words to live by. I do have a question, are "mandatory" HPV vaccinations are they a social necessity or a bad thing. My brother and I were discussing this the other night.
We don't see how we can extrapolate test data from a small study group say its fine and apply it to every girl in the country. I see dangers like the Vioxx withdrawl from the market a little while back. A woman's body truly is a miracle.
GREAT POST. Thank you.
-- Modified on 2/28/2007 6:08:44 PM
Before even considering if something 'mandatory' is 'good for society', we all better carefully consider if a Government (for me US Government) has the RIGHT to dictate and force this on every citizen!!!
There are already many laws that (in my opinion) already infringe on our individual liberties.
If ‘you’ think something is good to do, do it for yourself and/or within your own family and I will do likewise.
I agree and think that we should wait and see if the vaccination is truly safe.
The profit necessesity in the pharmaceutical industry causes me to truly question the safety of tnis vaccination.
Watch the teens in Texas and see what happens, let them be the guinea pigs, I know that sounds ridiculous but so is mandatory vaccinations for an STD.
xo Lisa
-- Modified on 3/1/2007 1:05:51 PM
No final word yet if the vaccine is useful for sexually active women over 26 years old yet. It should be mandatory for all ages to receive the shot (men too).
My daughter has it. Its sad. She was pregnant and was having her pap done because it was time. Results came back abnormal cells. Biopsy showed thats what it was as well as the start of cervical cancer at 20. Had she had a normal birth she may have been ok. They say that as the cervix dilate those abnormal cells sluff off and go away. She had to have an emergency C section because the cord was in the birth canal with the baby. She went from at 7 months along being minor to 2 months after the baby came to being sever and cervical cancer was there. They did surgery and removed almost all of her cervix. Its good that they got it all and there is no cancer left but because she has almost no cervix left she can never have any more kids. The doctor says if she were to get pregnant again she would miscarry within the first 2 months because her cervix would start to dilate too soon. Even the procedure where they put a stitch in to keep it closed is not an option for her because she doesn't have enough cervix left for it. Its best to make sure you do not miss your yearly pap smear and that way should you have HPV it can be found in time to save your life before it does turn into cancer and should you want more kids you might be luckier then my daughter was.
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