The known as Gardasil is the first vaccine created for the prevention of a sexually transmitted disease. HPV - also known as the human papillomavirus - is often associated with genital warts. However, certain strains of this sexually transmitted disease are the most common cause of cervical cancer, which is often only detected in its later stages. In fact, cervical cancer is often considered the second most common form of cancer affecting women. Some insist that the HPV vaccine should be mandatory among women in order to prevent as well as genital warts.

About the HPV Vaccine

The Gardasil vaccine targets the four most dangerous strains of HPV. Approximately 70% of all cervical cancer cases are caused by HPV-16 or HPV-18. About 90% of cases of genital warts are due to an HPV-6 or HPV-11 sexually transmitted infection. It is these four strains that Gardasil protects against.

While at present cervical cancer prevention predominantly relies on pap smear screenings and safe sex practice, the HPV vaccine adds a significant level of prevention since it may protect women from contracting HPV in the first place. The HPV vaccine represents a relatively new option, and as such is still undergoing observation and research. Nonetheless, it is available to the public and is typically recommended for young women between the ages of 11 and 12.

About HPV

HPV is one of the most commonly contracted and may affect both men and women. The symptoms associated with HPV depend on the type of strain that is the source of infection. In many cases, no symptoms of an HPV infection appear, which is what makes regular pap smear tests so important to female reproductive health. The following are some of the common signs and symptoms of HPV.

HPV: Genital Warts
If an HPV infection occurs, the symptoms of genital warts may not begin to develop for several weeks. In fact, in many cases, genital warts symptoms will not appear for several months.

The physical symptoms of genital warts are characterized by white or flesh-coloured areas that are either flat or raised, and are said to resemble cauliflower florets. These typically appear in the vaginal region, anus or vulva in women. Genital warts may interfere with bodily functions such as urinating and bowel movements.

HPV: Cervical Cancer
The HPV strain that is commonly associated with genital warts is rarely linked with cervical cancer. Unfortunately, this also means that physical symptoms of an HPV infection that may lead to cervical cancer are often not apparent. In many cases, the immune system will be able to fight off this type of HPV infection; however, in cases where this does not occur, the longer HPV remains in the system, the greater the risk of developing cervical cancer becomes. A Pap smear can detect abnormal cells in the cervix, which may indicate an HPV infection, and help prevent the development of cervical cancer.

In cases where physical symptoms of cervical cancer do appear, the signs may include painful intercourse, lower back pain, pain during urination and unusual vaginal bleeding - particularly after intercourse. However, these symptoms may indicate a variety of other reproductive health conditions affecting women, and should be investigated by a health care professional.