By Jami Custer
Staff Writer

TULSA, Okla. – The genital human papillomavirus, also known as HPV, is considered one of most common sexually transmitted infections, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC states that more than 40 different kinds of HPV can infect the genitals, mouths and throats of males and females. The difficult part about the infection is that many who have it do not know they are infected, which is why it’s rapidly spreading.

The infection is spread through genital contact and intercourse. It can however, also be passed through oral sex.

The virus infects 6 million people each year and nearly 20 million Americans are already infected with it. Fifty percent of sexually active people will at some point contract the virus in their lifetime.

On March 3, during the Cherokee Nation Cancer Summit in Tulsa, Dr. Greggory Jon Woitte, director of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Cherokee Nation W.W. Hastings Hospital, spoke about HPV during a presentation on cancer and overall health. 

“HPV is responsible for 100 percent of cervical cancers, 40 percent of vulvar cancers, 40 percent of vaginal cancers, 40 percent of penile cancers, 90 percent of anal cancers and 15 to 25 percent of oropharyngeal cancers,” Woitte said. 

According to the CDC, 12,000 women annually get cervical cancer in the U.S. Other cancers caused by this infection are less common, but are still out there.

There are ways to lessen the chance of contracting the virus. Using condoms lowers the risk of contracting HPV by 70 percent, but Woitte said the virus can infect areas that are not covered by a condom, which is why they don’t completely protect someone. 

However, there are vaccines that protect both male and females against the more common kinds of HPV. 

The vaccinations are given in sets of three and are considered to be more effective if given prior to one’s first sexual act. There are two vaccines to protect girls and women – Cervariz and Gardasil. They both protect against the strain of HPV that causes most cervical cancers. Gardasil also helps prevent most genital warts and can protect boys and men against the virus. 

The cost of the vaccines can be expensive. Woitte suggested two organizations to seek financial assistance for the vaccines – Merck Vaccine Patient Assistance Program and Bridges to Access. There is a qualification process with both organizations.

Reach Staff Writer Jami Custer at (918) 453-5560 or jami-custer@cherokee.org