The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for young women stirred quite a bit of controversy over the few years, more controversy that I can remember over a vaccine in my lifetime to date. HPV is arguably the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States, and studies link the virus strongly with cervical cancer, clearly a colossal concern to modern women.
Remember those gross pictures of genital warts from sex-ed? Genital warts are caused by human papilloma virus (HPV). HPV can also lead to cervical cancer. The governor of Texas tried to mandate the HPV vaccine, which is most effective before a person is exposed to the virus (in this case, before a person becomes sexually active). But those pro-lifers seem a lot more interested in keeping women from having sex than actually saving lives:
I'm back, with a new installment about health and the news. Most everyone now has heard of Gardasil and the controversy it has caused in many states, particularly Texas. Those of you that know my opinions well may remember that I was very skeptical of this vaccine against HPV when it first was advertised. I still am skeptical. But I've been following stories about HPV, Gardasil, and cervical cancer for the past few months, and I thought a good blog summarizing new findings about the three would do some good.
