Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI), reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  There are more than 40 types of HPV that can infect the genital areas of males and females. These HPV types can also infect the mouth and throat.  HPV can cause serious health problems, including genital warts and certain cancers. There is no certain way to tell who will develop health problems from HPV and who will not.

According to WebMD, the HPV vaccine is an inactivated (not live) vaccine which protects against four major types of HPV.  These include two types that cause about 70% of cervical cancer and two types that cause about 90% of genital warts. HPV vaccine can prevent most genital warts and most cases of cervical cancer.  The vaccine is routinely recommended for girls between the ages of 11 and 12 and in males between the ages of 9 and 26.  It is most important to get the vaccine before first sexual contact.  The HPV vaccine is thought to be effective and long-lasting.

In an analysis of HPV-associated cancers, Time Magazine considers how to curb the risks presented by HPV.  Observing the higher rates of HPV infection, there is a clear public health risk with the related medical impacts such as cancer.  However, education and vaccination campaigns have been controversial, making it difficult to prevent HPV infection.  A new lawsuit is adding to the controversy of vaccination.

CBS News reports that Madelyne and Olivia Meylor of Mount Horeb, Wisconsin have filed a federal claim alleging that the Gardasil vaccine against HPV caused their ovaries to stop producing eggs.  Public health experts state that the vaccine is safe and can help prevent many of the 18,000 HPV-associated cancers in women and 8,000 HPV-associated cancers in men.

The Meylors stated that they believe Gardasil shots caused their ovaries to stop producing eggs. They also have premature menopause, marked by insomnia, night sweats and headaches, and almost certainly will not be able to get pregnant.  Tests for three possible genetic causes of the condition were negative for both women, the newspaper reported. They are taking birth control pills or using patches as hormone replacement therapy.

Currently, the vaccine injury program has awarded payments for HPV vaccine injuries in 68 cases for a total of at least $5.9 million, according to the federal government and Judicial Watch, a nonpartisan foundation. The program has dismissed 63 claims, and 81 are pending.