HPV Vaccine and Counseling

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus. There are over 100 different types of this virus, and some of them can impact your health.

Most people will get HPV at some point in their lives without even knowing it. Many HPV infections clear up on their own without causing any symptoms.

However, some HPV types can cause serious health issues, including cancer in the future.

What Conditions Does HPV Cause?

HPV is responsible for a range of conditions including:

Genital Warts

These are small, flesh-colored or pinkish bumps that appear in the genital or anal areas. They can be raised, flat, or have a cauliflower-like shape and may appear alone or in clusters. Although they’re not dangerous, they can be uncomfortable and contagious.

Cancer

High-risk HPV types, particularly HPV 16 and 18, are the main cause of cervical cancer. This cancer often has no early symptoms. So, regular screenings, like Pap tests, are vital. As it progresses, cervical cancer can cause abnormal bleeding, unusual discharge, and pelvic pain.

HPV can also lead to other types of cancer in both men and women, including:

• Anal cancer. Symptoms may include rectal bleeding, pain, and lumps around the anus.
• Oropharyngeal cancer. This cancer affects the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils. Symptoms might include a persistent sore throat, trouble swallowing, or a lump in the neck.
• Vulvar and vaginal cancers. Symptoms include persistent itching, changes in skin color or texture, and abnormal bleeding.

How is HPV Spread?

HPV spreads mainly through close skin-to-skin contact during sexual activities, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. It’s also possible to pass HPV even if there are no visible signs or symptoms. In rare cases, a mother with genital HPV can pass the virus to her baby during birth. This can cause respiratory papillomatosis, a condition where warts develop in the baby’s throat.

Can HPV Be Prevented?

Because it’s so common and often goes undetected, the best way to protect yourself is through vaccination.
The HPV vaccine aims to prevent the types of HPV that cause these health issues. It provides effective, long-term protection. Getting vaccinated not only benefits you, but also contributes to the broader community. Vaccinated people help lower the overall rate of HPV transmission.

The HPV Vaccine: Who Should Get It?

Gardasil-9 (9vHPV)

The HPV vaccine protects against nine types of HPV, including types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. These types are the ones most often responsible for many HPV-related health issues.

This vaccine is currently the only one available in the U.S. and is highly effective when given at the right time.

The ideal age for the HPV vaccine is around 11 or 12, but it can be given as early as age 9. This timing works best because the vaccine offers the most protection when given long before any exposure to HPV. If vaccination was missed during the preteen years, it’s recommended to catch up by age 26.

For adults aged 27 to 45, the vaccine can still provide benefits, depending on individual circumstances. If you’re in this age range, it’s worth talking with your doctor about whether the vaccine could be beneficial for you.

The vaccine schedule varies by age:

• Ages 9 to 14: Two doses are needed, with the second dose given 6 to 12 months after the first.
• Ages 15 to 45: Three doses over a six-month period are recommended to ensure maximum protection.

What are the Benefits of HPV Vaccine?

The HPV vaccine is very effective at preventing infections from the types of virus most likely to cause cancer and genital warts.

Studies show that vaccination leads to a much lower risk of developing HPV infections and related cancers. In addition to protecting each person, the vaccine also helps protect others by reducing the overall spread of the virus.

Common HPV Vaccine Side Effects and Risks

Like any vaccine, the HPV vaccine may cause mild side effects. Common side effects include:

• Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site
• Headache
• Mild fever
• Fatigue or muscle aches

Serious side effects are rare, but if you have concerns, discuss them with your doctor.

Who Shouldn’t Get the HPV Vaccine?

While the HPV vaccine is safe for most people, there are a few situations where it might not be the best choice. You may need to avoid the vaccine or wait if:

• You’ve ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to any part of an HPV vaccine or to a previous dose
• You have a yeast allergy
• You’re pregnant. It’s best to wait until after you give birth to start or continue the vaccine series.

Your doctor can answer any questions you have about HPV and the vaccine and can help you decide if the vaccine is right for you or your child.

If you’re between the ages of 27 and 45, your doctor can help you assess your risk for new HPV infections. They’ll help you weigh the potential benefits of getting vaccinated.

HPV FAQs

1. Are there other ways to prevent HPV?

Yes. Using condoms can reduce your risk of HPV. But, it’s not foolproof since HPV can spread through skin-to-skin contact. The vaccine is the most effective way to prevent the strains of HPV that cause most cancers and genital warts.

2. How do I know if I have HPV?

HPV usually doesn’t cause any symptoms, so many people don’t know they have it. For women, regular Pap tests can help spot abnormal cells in the cervix, which may indicate a high-risk HPV infection. Women aged 30 and older can also get a direct HPV test to check for the virus itself. Right now, there isn’t a routine test for men, which makes prevention through vaccination and safe practices even more important.

3. Is the HPV vaccine safe?

The HPV vaccine has undergone extensive safety testing and monitoring, proving to be safe and effective. It has been used worldwide for years, with millions of people safely vaccinated. The side effects are typically mild, and the benefits in preventing cancer are substantial.