The prevalence of Human Papillomavirus infections in the United States is higher than previous estimates.
More than a quarter of women ages 14 to 59 in the United States have HPV, a report by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention states.
The report states HPV is estimated to be the most common sexually transmitted infection in the nation.
Hope McPhatter, Wellness Education Coordinator, said the data released by the CDC does not surprise her because many men and women could have been exposed to HPV without experiencing symptoms.
“These statistics are sad but true,” she said.
Fred Wyand, HPV News Journal editor, said about 80 percent of people will contract HPV in their lifetime.
“For most women, HPV is a harmless infection that clears naturally in about a few months to a year,” the American Social Health Association media communication manager said. “Cervical cancer is a pretty rare outcome across the board.”
The Food and Drug Administration approved Gardasil, the first vaccine for HPV, in June last year.
“The Gardasil vaccine protects recipients against four types of HPV, including the two types that cause most cervical cancers and the two types that cause most genital warts,” McPhatter said.
The Student Health Center provides HPV testing and prescribes Gardasil for $130 per injection.
HPV infection rates gained attention after the FDA approved the vaccine.
“HPV has always been a serious issue, but because it can be decades before the effects of HPV infection are noticed – cervical cancer diagnosis – it doesn’t get the attention and awareness it deserves,” McPhatter said. “Now that there is a vaccine, I’m hoping more people will take steps to protect their health.”
Heather Boonstra, Alan Guttmacher Institute public policy analyst, said the vaccine has become controversial in the United States. The Guttmacher Institute is a nonprofit corporation that conducts research on a range of sexual and reproductive health issues.
“There were some people at the CDC who said that all young women in the United States should get [the vaccine] before they become sexually active,” she said. “That was an important step. Some groups have raised some questions about the safety of the drug. Other groups have raised questions about how providing the drug may give the green light to have sex – promiscuity. There’s no evidence of this.”
McPhatter said women can take several preventative measures to avoid contracting HPV.
“Get the Gardasil vaccine,” she said. “Talk with any potential partners about their sexual histories so you can make an informed decision before having sex. Get yearly pap tests as well.”
Wyand said women who choose safer sex practices and use latex condoms may reduce their risk of contracting HPV through skin-to-skin contact, but there is no absolute guarantee.
—–Contact Angelle Barbazon [email protected]