HPV vaccination and how does it prevent cervical cancer
BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery), 10 years of experience
What is the meaning of HPV vaccination?
A vaccine that protects against the human papillomavirus (HPV) is known as HPV vaccination. It protects against the spread of infections caused by HPV and reduces the risk of getting cancers that are caused by HPV. Human papillomavirus is a virus that can lead to cervical cancer (a tumor of the lowermost part of the womb or uterus) and genital warts (a small bump on the genital region). It can also lead to cancer of the vagina (an elastic, muscular canal that provides sensation and lubrication), vulva (the outer part of the female genitalia), anus (the part of the body from which stool is passed out), penis (the external male sex organ), mouth, and throat. It is also linked to certain heart diseases in women. HPV can spread through sexual contact and certain types of skin-to-skin contact. In this article, we will be discussing in detail HPV vaccination and how it prevents cervical cancer.
- What are the different types of HPV vaccines?
- What is the purpose of HPV vaccination?
- What are the risk factors for HPV?
- Who should get HPV vaccination?
- Who should not get HPV vaccination?
- How does HPV vaccination prevent cervical cancer?
- What are the risks of HPV vaccination?
- What are the limitations of HPV vaccination?
- How to prevent HPV?
- What is the cost of HPV Vaccination in India?
What are the different types of HPV vaccines?
Human papillomavirus is a group of more than 200 viruses. Approximately 40 of these spread through sexual contact. Out of these 40, approximately 12 types can lead to cancer.
There are three effective and safe HPV vaccines that are available:
- Gardasil 9: This type of vaccine protects against nine types of cancer-causing human papillomavirus. It is the only vaccine used in the United States.
- Cervarix and Gardasil: These vaccines are used to treat the high-risk strains of human papillomavirus. They can prevent approximately 70% of cervical cancer cases. These vaccines are used in countries other than the United States.
( Know more about- What is Cervical Cancer? )
What is the purpose of HPV vaccination?
The HPV vaccine is given to prevent the following:
- Cervical cancer
- Genital warts
- Cancer of the vagina
- Cancer of the vulva
- Cancer of the anus
- Cancer of the penis
- Mouth cancer
- Throat cancer
( Know more about- What is Genital Herpes? )
What are the risk factors for HPV?
An individual who is not vaccinated have an increased risk of getting infected by the HPV in the following cases:
- Unprotected sex
- Multiple sexual partners
- Contact with contagious warts
- Broken skin or wounds
- A weak immune system
- Smoking
- A diet that is low in minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients
( Know more about- What is Throat Cancer? )
Who should get HPV vaccination?
The HPV vaccine works the best when given at a younger age, before the beginning of sexual activity and exposure to HPV. It is generally recommended in the following cases:
- Boys and girls of ages 11 to 12 years. Two doses are given, 6 to 12 months apart. The vaccination can be started as young as the age of 9.
- Older teenagers and young adults up to the age of 26, who are not vaccinated yet. After the age of 15, 3 doses of the vaccination are required.
- Adults between 27 and 45 years of age, who are not vaccinated yet and who have a specific risk as diagnosed by the doctor.
The immune (disease-fighting) response of the body is not as strong if you get the HPV vaccine after reaching your teenage years. You may be exposed to the HPV strains once you are sexually active, but the vaccine is still effective against the HPV strains that you have still not come in contact with.
( Know more about- What is Prostate Cancer Treatment? )
Who should not get HPV vaccination?
The HPV vaccine should not be given in the following cases:
- Pregnancy
- History of reaction to an earlier HPV vaccine dose or other vaccines
- Allergy to yeast
- Postpone the vaccination in case of a moderate or severe illness
How does HPV vaccination prevent cervical cancer?
- In the case of a woman who is affected by an HPV infection, it can cause the cells in the cervix to grow in an abnormal manner.
- In some women, these HPV-induced changes can cause cervical cancer.
- The HPV vaccine prevents infection by the HPV types 16 and 18, which are responsible for most cervical cancer cases.
- The HPV vaccines stimulate the body to produce antibodies that, in future encounters with the HPV strains, bind to the HPV and prevent the virus from infecting the cervical cells.
- This reduces the risk of a woman developing precancerous growths and cervical cancer substantially.
- However, HPV vaccination cannot replace the need of undergoing a routine screening test known as the Pap test, which is used to test for the presence of cervical cancer in women.
( Know more about- What is Prostate Surgery? )
What are the risks of HPV vaccination?
The HPV vaccine is generally safe. However, the following side effects can occur following an HPV vaccination:
- Pain at the injection site
- Swelling at the injection site
- Mild fever
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Diarrhea
- Pain in the abdomen (stomach region)
If you get any unusual symptoms, or symptoms that persist for a long time after vaccination, call your doctor right away.
What are the limitations of HPV vaccination?
The HPV vaccine has the following limitations:
- The HPV vaccines cannot prevent all HPV-related cancers. For women, it is important to get a routine Pap test done to check for any signs of cervical cancer.
- The HPV vaccines do not prevent sexually transmitted infections, other than genital warts. It is necessary to use condoms or other barrier methods during sex to prevent contraction or transmission of sexually transmitted infections.
- The vaccines cannot treat pre-existing HPV-related infections or illnesses.
( Know more about–What is HPV in men? )
How to prevent HPV?
A person can prevent getting infected by the HPV in the following ways:
- HPV vaccination
- Use condoms or other barrier methods while having sex
- In the case of women, get routine screenings for cervical cancer through Pap tests
- Quit smoking
- Maintain a healthy diet full of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients
(Know more about- What is Condom? )
We hope that we could answer all your questions regarding HPV vaccination and how it prevents cervical cancer through this article.
If you need more information related to HPV vaccination, then you can contact the General Physician.
We only aim to provide you with information through this article. We do not recommend any medicine or treatment. Only a doctor can give you the best advice and correct treatment plan.
