Sexually transmitted diseases are scary. Sexually transmitted diseases that cause cancer are even scarier. The human papillomavirus, more commonly known as HPV, causes genital warts, and, in some cases, it can cause cervical cancer. The virus is transmitted through oral, vaginal and anal sex and is one of the most common STDs in the United States.

Thing is, this little virus has been in the news a lot recently due to the relatively new vaccine: Gardasil.

Gardasil protects against 4 of the 30 strains of HPV. Although this may seem like a small amount, it is important to note that two of the strains Gardasil prevents are responsible for around 75 percent of cervical cancer cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the other two strains prevented by Gardasil account for almost 90 percent of genital warts cases in both men and women.

I remember when the vaccine first came out about four years ago. I was a senior in high school, and I had just gotten out of my annual doctor’s appointment when my mom showed me a brochure. We talked about it, openly and honestly. We discussed the benefits of me receiving a vaccine that could prevent a life-threatening illness, and from there we did some more research. My mother and I came to the conclusion that getting the Gardasil vaccine would be worthwhile and beneficial, so we made the first appointment. Everything seemed to make sense to me.

I quickly learned however, that not everyone was on board with this particular vaccine. Medical professionals recommend that a child receives the vaccine around age 11-12, before entering middle school.

The reasoning is that the vaccine will be much more effective if it is administered before the child is sexually active. However, many parents are worried that giving the vaccine at such an early age will encourage promiscuity. This idea seems to be based on the notion that only people who engage in risky sexual behavior will contract the disease, but that just isn’t true. Anyone can contract an STD whether he or she has had sex with one person or 10 people. The fact of the matter is, there may be no way to know whether or not your partner has HPV. They might not even know they have it, as it is one of the STDs that often does not produce any symptoms.

In fact, this very situation happened to one of my closest friends. The man she is in a relationship with had no idea he was infected with HPV until my friend went in to have her pap test. Precancerous cells were found on her cervix, which lead to the discovery that she was infected with HPV. This in turn led to the discovery that her boyfriend was also infected. My friend had to have these cells burned off with a laser, and now has to have a pap test done every six months instead of every year. Thankfully, she is one of the lucky few that caught the disease early. Had she waited any longer, my friend would probably have cancer right now. Or worse, she could be dead.

Although women are in the most danger when it comes to the effects of HPV, men should also be vaccinated. Like the previous story illustrates, it is highly possible for someone to unknowingly have HPV and therefore spread it to a partner. Health professionals are urging men to be vaccinated so that they do not spread HPV to others, as well as to prevent genital warts.

Vaccines have been a part of American medical care for years. Just because a vaccine prevents a certain kind of illness does not mean it will cause people to engage in behavior that will cause it. I haven’t seen anyone be less careful about washing hands after a flu shot. Bottom line: the HPV vaccine is highly beneficial to the health of men and women everywhere. If you haven’t already, give it some serious consideration. Who knows, you could be saving someone’s life.

—Leah Hirsch is an Iowa State U. senior in child, adult and family services.