KTKA

It's been a controversial year for the makers Gardasil since the FDA approved the vaccine that helps prevent cervical cancer.

Gardasil helps prevent HPV, which can be sexually transmitted. The drug's maker, Merck, campaigned to mandate the vaccine, but it never took. Parents weren't comfortable with a vaccine that dealt with their daughters sexual health, but now studies are showing its effectiveness.

One mother who talked with 49 News Health Reporter Jessica Lovell talked to says she felt it was the right time for her daughter to try the vaccine.

"She's going to be getting married next summer, so I wanted to make sure it was something she was protected against," said Patricia Vanitta.

And one local doctor says as more people learn about the drug, they're also learning about HPV itself.

"Most the population has it. If you randomly took people in the population, both male and female 85 to 95 percent would be positive for some form of HPV. There are about 100 types. It can cause genital warts, abnormal pap smear, warts on the fingers, warts on the toes. Different types cause different things," said St. Francis Dr. Cathy Dahl.

It's recommended that all women 26 and under get vaccinated, whether or not you've been sexually active.

Gardasil costs anywhere from $300 to $500, but it may be covered by your insurance.