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HPV: Is it you or is it me?

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Arizona chapter.


We have all seen the ads or heard the need for the shot that “protects” you from HPV, the Human Papillomavirus. But did you know the shot known as Gardisil only protects women from the four main strands (type 6, 11, 16, and 18)? While most HPV infections in young women are impermanent with 70 percent of infections gone in 1 year and 90 percent in 2 years. However, when the infection persists — in 5 percent to 10 percent of infected women — there is high risk of developing precancerous lesions of the cervix, which can progress to invasive cervical cancer, according to Wikipedia. Gardisil.com, the official website, states Gardisil also helps protect girls and young women ages 9 to 26 against 70 percent of vaginal cancer cases and up to 50% of vulvar cancer cases.

“HPV is passed on through genital contact, most often during vaginal and anal sex. HPV may also be passed on during oral sex and genital-to-genital contact. HPV can be passed on between straight and same-sex partners—even when the infected partner has no signs or symptoms,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The safest way to protect yourself and your partner is to use a condom. A person can have HPV even if years have passed since he or she had sexual contact with an infected person. Most individuals are unaware that they are caring an HPV strand since most cases result in little or no symptoms.

Next time things start to get hot and heavy consider these numbers before skipping the condom ceremony. Approximately 20 million Americans are currently infected with HPV. Another 6 million people become newly infected each year. HPV is so common that at least 50% of sexually active men and women get it at some point in their lives, according to the CDC. That means between you and your best friend, one of you are bound to get it. Be safe and exercise good decisions always. It only takes one time.

My name is Jessica Cooper and in the Fall I will be a Senior at the University of Arizona. I am majoring in journalism with a dual minor in history and judaic studies. My focus is in both print and online journalism. I have loved being a part of the Her Campus team for the last semester and am so excited to be the campus correspondant for the 2011-2012 year.