In her book, The HPV Vaccine Controversy Sex, Cancer, God, and Politics, author Shobha S. Krishnan, MD, has examined the facts and the myths surrounding this hot topic. Her purpose is to provide the public, women, men, parents and teenagers, with the most current information and facts about HPV(Human Papilloma Virus), the vaccines and preventative health care.
Dr. Krishnan is a board certified gynecologist and family practice physician at Columbia University’s Barnard College Health Services. She is also the mother of a young girl. She provides the reader with a frank and honest presentation of the facts about HPV, the consequences and the choices for preventative health care.
No matter what the reader’s beliefs, the fact remains that this vaccine, which is often called "the sex shot," has been proven to be most effective when given to young girls at the age of 11 or 12. After that age, the overall effectiveness in preventing cervical cancer diminishes.
The cost effectiveness of preventing cervical cancer helps to promote the need to vaccinate all girls at this age, despite objections of their parents for religious, ethical and other reasons.
There are those who believe that vaccinating young girls against HPV gives them a green light to have promiscuous and pre-marital sexual relations. The fact is that it does, and should not.
The more important issue is that there are long range issues to be considered. If a woman remains a virgin until marriage, and marries a virgin, the risk of exposure is nil. However, if either partner is not a virgin, this risk rises dramatically. Men as well as women can become infected and infect others.
In the event of divorce, infidelity, or other reason for an end to this marriage or change in sex partners, the partner who goes on to have sexual relations with another individual is at risk for contracting HPV. If the woman was not vaccinated at an early age, or remains unvaccinated, her risk for cervical cancer rises with each sexual encounter she or her partner have had.
Some of the facts about HPV and this vaccine presented by Dr. Krishnan include:
- HPV is responsible for one of the most widespread STD (sexually transmitted disease) infections in the U.S.
- An estimated 50% of sexually active people will become infected by HPV in their lifetimes.
- Seventy percent of all cervical cancer cases in the U.S. is caused by HPV affecting more than 10,000 women in the U.S. each year.
- One out of four adolescents in the U.S. is sexually active by age 19.
- HPV can cause cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, urethra, anus, mouth, throat and penis.
- Cervical cancer is the most significant result from HPV. Worldwide there are 500,000 cases each year and about 250,000 deaths result each year.
- There is no cure for HPV.
Good health care is about making informed decisions. Before taking a side on the HPV Vaccine issue, get the facts; read The HPV Vaccine Controversy. It is an excellent, informative resource for laymen and health care professionals.
The HPV Vaccine Controversy Sex, Cancer, God and Politics by Shobha S. Krishnan, MD (2008) Praeger Publishers; Westport, CT, an imprint of Greenwood Publishing Group, Inc. ISBN 978-0-313-35011-5
