What is Gardasil and what's its benefits?

Gardasil is a vaccine used to prevent certain types of HPV (human
papillomavirus) specifically HPV types 6, 11,16 and 18. HPV 6 and 11
are common causes of genital warts while HPV 16 and 18 is associated
with cervical cancer. HPV 6 and 11 are involved in about 90% of
genital wart cases while HPV 16 and 18 are involved in about 70% of
cervical cancers. More than 12,000 women are diagnosed with cervical
cancer and 4,000 women die of it each year in the U.S. HPV 16 and 18
affect is not limited to the cervix. They are also involved in vulvar
cancer, vaginal cancer, penile cancer and some neck cancers.

HPV is spread by genital contact. However, intercourse is not
required. Sometimes the term “outercourse” is used when discussing HPV
transmission. The vaccine works by preventing the transmission of HPV.
To be most effective it needs to be administered prior to the first
episode of sexual activity. Given on a series of three shots,
Gardasil, the shot should be given at a very early age. The
recommendation is to administer it to girls between 9 to 26 years old.
Girls are at their highest risk of contracting HPV from their first
sexual experience through their 20s. That is why the best effect is
early administration.

There are about 100 identified types of HPV. It is important to
understand that this vaccine targets the most common strains of HPV –
not all of them. It is said to be 100% effective in preventing
infection by the four common HPV types (6, 11, 16, and 18) in women
who have not been previously infected with HPV. So, it does not
protect 100%. It is not a replacement for annual gynecologic exams and
pap smears. Gardasil doesn’t entirely eliminate cervical cancer.
Another big benefit of Gardasil is it will nock out about 90% of
genital warts. Who want them? Visible warts are embarrassing to many,
cause discomfort and may be transmitted to men during sexual activity
and babies during delivery.

Gardasil has been well studied. More than 50,000,000 doses have been
administered and Gardasil has been shown to be very safe. There is no
medication that doesn’t have side effects. Gardasil has them too.
That’s something to be discussed with your physician. I haven’t seen
any myself.