HPV vaccine changes girls' sex attitudes

A new study shows the /*human papillomavirus*/, or HPV, is making young girls think twice about the risks of having sex. Health experts say there were some concerns that getting the cervical cancer vaccine would make girls more likely to start having sex at a younger age.

But, according to the study, 14 percent of the 500 girls surveyed and who were offered the vaccine, say they may take more sexual risks because of it. 79 percent of the girls said having the vaccination reminded them of the possible risks of sexual contact.

"Despite the scare-stories, this research suggests that the HPV vaccine could make the majority of girls more cautious about sex," Dr. Lesley Walker of the Cancer Research UK said.

The findings were published in the British Journal of Cancer.