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HPV AND GARDASIL

HPV (human papillomavirus) is a sexually transmitted virus. It can be acquired through any kind of sexual genital contact with someone who has HPV – that means intercourse is not necessary. Studies show that there is a 50% chance of acquiring a genital HPV infection the first time a woman has sex. 80% of women will have had genital HPV by age 50. While most HPV infections clear on their own, persistence of cancer causing HPV can lead to cervical cancer.

Gardasil is a cervical cancer vaccine that helps protect against 4 types of human papillomavirus (HPV): 2 types that cause 70% of cervical cancer cases, and 2 more types that cause 90% of genital warts. Gardasil is recommended for girls and women ages 9 to 26. Gardasil vaccinations are available at The Women’s Health Group.

For more information about Gardasil go to www.gardasil.com.