This past July the FDA approved the first vaccine developed to help prevent cervical cancer.

Gynecologist Mahnee Dinsmore explains that there's a new vaccine that will help prevent cervical cancer, however in order for your vaccination to be complete it's not just one injection. "It's called GARDASIL, it is a series of three injections over time."

Dr. Dinsmore says that the vaccine is approved for use in females as young as 9 years old. "Once our daughters start going through a menstrual cycle, we have to talk to them about being responsible for their sexual health, and their sexual well-being, including sexually transmitted diseases."

But, Dr. Dinsmore adds that after the age of 26 the vaccine is not recommended. "Women over the age of 26 they would give them the vaccine but they'd never get a good immune system response that would protect them."

Dr. Dinsmore also says that the vaccine works by preventing certain strains of HPV. It's effectiveness is against HPV types 6 and 11, which cause approximately 90% of genital warts - with no cancer potential - and also against types 16 and 18, which causes an estimated 70% of cervical cancers. "It's amazing that we'll be able to give a vaccine that will stop a cancer in our lifetime. Hopefully all the other cancers will follow suit."

Expert's stress that this vaccination is not a substitute for safe sex and it does not take the place of regular pap smears because not all cases of cervical cancer are not caused by HPV. Cervical cancer survivor Kathy Holt says, "All it takes is just one quick exam with your doctor. Cervical cancer is something that can spread very quickly and can take your life."

But it's not the only thing women can do to prevent this disease, regular gynecological checkups are very important.

This vaccine doesn't protect females who have already been infected with HPV prior to vaccination.