Learn the Truth About HPV

November 20, 2006 (WPVI) -- It is the most common virus transmitted sexually in the US. Few people knew about HPV, or its dangers until a vaccine was approved that can stop this virus in its tracks.

The first TV ad for Merck's vaccine Gardasil got a lot of people's attention. That was the whole point. It's tough to sell a vaccine if people don't understand what its for. Experts at the Centers for Disease Control say more than half of all sexually active men and women have been exposed to HPV. Yet few people know much about it; HPV is often a silent infection, without any symptoms.

Dr. Lori Feldman-Winter of Cooper Health System provides some insight: "The virus causes about 20 million infections a year, and about 90 percent of those clear without any problems."

The remaining 10 percent of women develop a lasting infection, which can change the cells in the cervix... the opening to the womb. Those cell changes, or dysplasia, can progress to cervical cancer.

Doctors say teenagers are especially vulnerable to HPV. "The cervix is immature during the teen years," said Dr. Feldman-Winter. "Its really more susceptible than ever for infection with the virus."

The vaccine Gardasil is most effective before a girl becomes sexually active; experts say prime age for vaccination is around 11 or 12.

Tanya Brown brought her daughter Ashley in for the series of 3 shots and hopes the discussions they've had about HPV will lead to future frank talks about sex.

"I'm comfortable with it, and I know that she's not sexually active. I want to make sure that if and when she decides to, her honesty brings her back to me to ask questions," said Brown.

But even if a young woman has already had sex, it's not too late for Gardasil. There are many strains of HPV virus, and chances are a teenager like Ashley Wyld-Risely hasn't been exposed to most of them. Gardasil protects against 4 types, which cause 70-percent of all cervical cancers.

Angela Bloomquist faced that fear head on when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer at age 32. "When they told me I had it, I was like - me? I don't think so. But it can happen to anyone."

Because the cancer was caught early, surgeons were able to take out only Angela's cervix, leaving the rest of her uterus and preserving her hopes of motherhood. Angela says she's all for Gardasil, if the vaccine means 'one less' story like hers.

Angela's cancer was diagnosed early because she got a pap smear every year. Women need to do that, even if they get the HPV vaccine, because it isn't 100 percent effective. The series of 3 shots costs 360-dollars, but manufacturer Merck say 9 out 10 insurance companies are now picking up the tab.

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