HPV Vaccine and Safe Sex Education

A recent headline about humanpapillomavirus (HPV) made me glad, because it underlines the importance of talking about all kinds of safer sex. Researchers are finding HPV DNA in various tumours where the cancer is found in mucosal tissue, such as the nasal cavities or the throat. The connection between oral sex and HPV that leads to these cancers can be used as another argument in favour of the HPV vaccine, which has been controversial. I support parents’ rights to make decisions about what vaccines their kids receive, but am also for illuminating the prevalence of HPV.   

HPV is one of the most common and easily spread sexually transmitted infections. Even using barriers like condoms and dental dams might not prevent it, as skin-to-skin contact is all that’s needed for transmission. A recent study from McGill University found over half of sexually active young adult couples were infected with HPV. Forty-four percent had the types that can lead to cancer. For people who are becoming sexually active at a younger age and racking up more sexual partners, these trends are likely to continue. Enter the HPV vaccine.

The HPV vaccine currently available (another has just been approved by Health Canada) was developed to protect against four strains of HPV, two of which can lead to cervical cancer and two of which can lead to genital warts. At present, it’s being offered to girls and young women aged 9-26, ideally before they become sexually active. Once women have become sexually active and been exposed to HPV, the benefits won’t be as dramatic as they are for unexposed women. (Manufacturers are trying to market the angle  that women won’t have been exposed to all four strains the vaccine protects against, so vaccination in the 27-40 age range could be helpful and cost-effective. They haven’t convinced the powers that be just yet). Studies are ongoing- Oak Tree Clinic is one of the sites exploring how the vaccine affects HIV+ girls and women.

There has been discussion about vaccinating boys too. They aren’t currently offered the vaccine, but you can see where they could benefit. Less HPV circulating in the population means less likelihood of exposure, infection and need for eventual treatment, etc. Research on that is also in the works.

Some parents have held off vaccinating their girls, citing that vaccination might seem to be a “go to it” directive for sex at a young age. As a parent and sex educator, I disagree. I think one can instead look at it as an opportunity to talk to our kids about different tools to keep them healthy when they decide to have sex. Depending on what we want to teach our kids about when those sexual relationships might begin is an indivdual choice, but approach is important. Studies have found that religion- based abstinence programs often fail, but abstinence programs that provide kids with negotiation and problem solving skills have greater success at delaying sex.

Whether parents choose to vaccinate or not, the debate about the HPV vaccine is a great opportunity to talk about the variations of sexual behaviour and about personal safety. It’s a chance to talk about safe practices and the responsibilities and risks that can accompany the pleasures of sex. There are age appropriate ways to do so. (If you’re not sure where to start,  see Meg Hickling’s fantastic selection of books.) using the HPV vaccine to talk about healthy sexuality and self-esteem sex with girls (and their brothers) isn’t a directive to have sex- it’s a responsible thing to do. 

- Janet

This was posted on Friday, February 19th, 2010 at 8:00 am and is filed under Body Health, Education & Resources . Feel free to respond, or trackback. Read our comments policy.

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  Veda Demos September 18, 2010 at 9:44 am

  Fantastic! I was searching for something all week. I really wish that people would write more about this. I really appreciate the post

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