|
  
The Human Papilloma Virus, HPV for short, is responsible for one of the
most widespread sexually transmitted infections in the United States.
More than 20 million women are currently infected, and more than 6
million new cases are detected each year. Moreover, it is estimated
that at least 50 percent of sexually active people will be infected
during their lifetimes by this "silent" infection that in most cases
has no symptoms. Two strains of HPV cause approximately 70 percent of
all cervical cancer cases, striking more than 10,000 women in the
United States alone each year.
So it is with great fanfare that, in 2006, the United States government
approved an HPV vaccine that was tested around the world and is being
marketed with optimism to prevent infections from certain types of HPV.
However, hope quickly turned to controversy as various groups objected
to proposals at the state government level to make this vaccine
mandatory for girls as young as 9 years of age.
In this timely book, Dr. Krishnan explains both the infection and the
vaccine to parents, women, men, and teenagers who are interested in
this issue. A longtime gynecologist and family physician -- as well as
the mother of a young daughter -- Dr. Krishnan addresses the
controversy and legislative aims to require the vaccine, including the
pros and cons of being inoculated and whether boys should receive the
vaccine.
Parents, young adults, and teenagers considering the HPV vaccine will
find answers to their questions in this book. The book features a
chapter listing the questions asked and answers given when Krishnan ran
an informational clinic for college students who were curious about the
infection, its disease consequences, and the role of the new vaccine.
The book also addresses the issue of vaccine booster shots and what is
known about the side effects. In addition, it discusses whether the
vaccine can protect boys from contracting or transmitting the virus and
acquiring genital warts and HPV related cancers. A final chapter
highlights personal stories and anecdotes about cervical cancer from
women in developing nations, as well as the potential role of this
vaccine for alleviating HPV related diseases in those countries.
pub date: 2008-08-30 | hardcover | 9780313350115 |
