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Our Expert on Women's Health
Q: Does the new vaccine against cervical cancer also protect against genital warts and lesions?Ask Our Expert About the Cervical Cancer Vaccine and Protection Against Genital Warts
About Our ExpertRochelle Steiner-Friel, M.D., is an OB/GYN physician with College Heights OBGYN Associates, a Lehigh Valley Physician Group practice affiliated with Lehigh Valley Hospital.
Practicing Medicine Since 2002 Education B.A. in Sociology, 1994, University of Florida, Gainesville Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology Lehigh Valley Hospital Board Certification Board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Q: Does the new vaccine against cervical cancer also protect against genital warts and lesions?A: Yes, it does. The vaccine, called Gardasil, is effective against several strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted disease which causes genital warts, vulvar and vaginal lesions, and some types of cervical cancer. In fact the vaccine is 90 percent effective against warts, and 70 percent effective against cervical cancer. An HPV infection can cause genital warts in boys and men, as well as women. Treatment of warts and cervical lesions now consists of applying medication to the affected areas, laser treatments, burning or freezing. In some cases the affected tissue is scraped away. Even after the wart is removed, or the cervical lesion has healed, the virus can remain inactive in the body. Besides dealing with pain and discomfort, people with the infection also have the worry of transmitting it to a partner during intercourse. Vaccination with Gardasil almost completely eliminates the chance of having genital warts and cervical lesions. The vaccine has been tested for five years, and its effectiveness has been proven to last for that long. We don’t know yet if a booster shot will be necessary after some time. Q: Who is eligible to receive this vaccine?A: The American Cancer Society recommends universal vaccination for girls ages eleven and twelve. Because the vaccine is new, and we want as many people as possible to be protected, girls and women between the ages of eleven and 26 may now be vaccinated. Gardasil is less effective if you are already infected with a strain of HPV. The vaccine is available from your pediatrician, gynecologist or family physician, and everyone eligible should be vaccinated. Q: Is this vaccine covered by insurance?A: Because universal vaccination for girls is fast becoming the norm, more insurance companies are covering the cost. It probably won’t be long before this vaccine is among those required by schools. Q: If it prevents infection in boys and men, shouldn’t they be vaccinated, too?A: The use of this vaccine for boys has not yet been approved. We’re waiting for the results of a study that is going on now. This page last updated 2/28/08 11:25 AM
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