Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

In 2005, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that 20 million people in the United States had the virus.

HPV is a common virus. There are many different types of HPV; some cause no harm, others can cause diseases of the genital area. For most people, the virus goes away by itself. However, when the virus does not go away it can develop into cervical cancer, precancerous lesions, or genital warts, depending on the HPV type.

HPV has been in the news a lot lately and chances are you’ve seen commercials for products like GARDASIL®. The primary reason you’ve been hearing so much about HPV is the development and recent release of a new vaccine that helps protect girls and young women against a number of diseases caused by Human Papillomavirus, most notably cervical cancer.

This vaccine is currently available to girls and women 9 through 26 years of age and it’s administered in three doses or injections. If you’re interested in the vaccine either for yourself or for your daughter, there are a number of links on our site that provide good relevant information about the benefits and risks associated with the vaccine. You can also speak to your gynecologist or nurse practitioner at GYN OB Associates to find out more about HPV and what you can do to protect yourself and reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer and genital warts.