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The Human papillomavirus, also known as HPV, is a sexually transmitted disease which is often difficult to diagnose and is not as popularized as AIDS or Herpes in mainstream media. Ironically, this infectious disease is said to infect over half of the sexually active population of the United States at some point throughout their lives.

Although there are many strands of HPV, some strands can produce painful warts on an individuals genitals or the surrounding area. These abnormalities are often accompanied by itching, irritating or swelling, and even, in some cases, bleeding.

While many cases will clear up after several years without any treatments or antibiotics, some severe incidents will serve as catalysts for cancers of the cervix, penis, and anus.

Fortunately, as doctors and scientists conduct more in-depth research into HPV and its causes and treatments, vaccines have been developed to protect against certain strands. Two main commercial drugs have been developed to assist in the treatment of HPV: Gardasil and Cervarix.

Gardasil was recently licensed by the FDA just last year, but was only approved for use on females, and particularly, girls. Ideally the vaccine should be administered before girls become sexually active and incidentally are exposed to HPV strands; however, some women up to the age of 26 can also benefit from the vaccine. Researchers are continuing studies on the effects of the vaccine in older women. Additionally, Gardasil is usually administered over the course of six months, in three doses.

Unlike its competitor, Cervarix has not yet obtained the required approval for release, but is expected to break into the market in upcoming months; however, like Gardasil, this vaccine is also administered over the course of six months.

In closing, both vaccines are potentially viable treatments for HPV outbreaks, but researchers are far from curing HPV altogether. Unfortunately, neither treatment protects against all types of HPV, particularly some strands that remain untreatable and result in cervical cancer; therefore, individuals should continue to take preemptive measures, such as abstaining from sexual interaction, to prevent the incidence of HPV.

Learn more about this author, Krystle Hernandez.
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