Latest Research On Genital Warts Says Prevention Is Possible
According to the latest research on genital warts, there is hope for women of prevention of the virus HPV. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) gave its recommendation that a vaccine be approved to help prevent women with the virus from developing cervical cancer and other health complications. The ACIP recommended this vaccine be developed and offered for the public. The ACIP is made up of experts from across the nation who serve as consultants and advisors to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
The vaccine has already been developed. It is called Gardasil. Using the latest research on genital warts, Gardasil is effective against four different kinds of HPV. These four types of the virus all together are the root of 90% of all cases of genital warts, and 70% of cases of cervical cancer caused by HPV.
The latest research on genital warts has resulted in the Food and Drug Administration allowing the use of Gardasil for females age 9 to 26. The way the vaccine is administered is by giving 3 shots to patients undergoing treatment over the course of 6 months.
This research has not been conclusive about whether the vaccine may be effective for males with the virus. In some rare cases, men with HPV develop penile or anal cancer, and it is believed that this vaccine may help prevent these types of cancer in the same way. Research shows that there is a possibility that giving the vaccine to males with HPV may help keep it from spreading to women. These studies are being carried out now. If the latest research finds the vaccine to be effective in treating males infected with HPV, the vaccine can help dramatically to reduce the spread and health effects of the disease.
According to the latest research on genital warts, the vaccine works quite well. In women who had already contracted HPV, the vaccine was less effective than in women who had not yet contracted it.
What researchers still don't know is how long the vaccine will continue to protect those who take it. The first vaccinations were five years ago, and the women who received it are still cancer-free. Now, they are studying the lifespan of the vaccine and considering whether a booster vaccine may be needed to prolong the protection.
According to the FDA, there is no danger in using the HPV vaccine Gardasil. They have also determined that it effectively keeps HPV infected individuals from developing genital warts. All over the world, the vaccine has been used by 11,000 women and girls. There have been no incidents of any side effects.
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