What is HPV?

HPV, short for human papillomavirus, comprises a diverse group of over 200 viruses primarily transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact. This viral family can impact various areas, including the genital region, mouth, and throat.

How serious is it?

The majority of infections resolve on their own without causing harm. Specific strains of the virus, however, pose a serious risk of developing into cancers, such as cervical cancer. Of the 200 strains, 2 types in particular cause 70% of cervical cancer cases. Another 2 additional types are responsible for 90% of genital warts cases.

What are the common symptoms?

HPV often operates in stealth, frequently presenting with no noticeable symptoms. However, it can manifest as genital warts or, over time, lead to abnormal cellular changes that might progress to various forms of cancer. HPV can cause six types of cancer, namely anal cancer, cervical cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, penile cancer, vaginal cancer, and vulvar cancer.

Possible ways I got it?

Transmission occurs primarily through intimate contact, encompassing vaginal, anal, or oral sexual activities. Importantly, the virus can be transmitted even when there are no visible signs or symptoms.

Possible Treatment options?

While many infections spontaneously clear or remain dormant, there is no direct cure for HPV. Correctly using condoms can lower the chance of HPV transmission but does not prevent it completely. Your provider can address related issues, such as treating genital warts caused by HPV but again these are symptoms and not the virus itself. The most proactive measure to prevent cancers stemming from HPV is by receiving the HPV vaccine.

Gardasil 9, the vaccine, protects against infection from nine strands, including the seven types that cause most HPV-related cancers (types 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58) and the two low-risk types that cause most genital warts (types 6 and 11). Depending on your age, it’s administered in 2 or 3 injections over a 6-month period and is recommended for girls and boys starting around 9 years of age.

Am I immune to getting Cervical Cancer if I get the HPV vaccine?

The vaccine is highly effective against the most common HPV types associated with cervical cancer. However, it doesn’t guard against all HPV strains, underscoring the importance of regular screenings.

• Among women who have not been previously infected with the specific HPV strain, Gardasil is over 95% effective in preventing cervical precancers caused by those strains of HPV that Gardasil immunizes against.
• Gardasil has been nearly 100% effective in preventing vulvar and vaginal precancers, and genital warts in women caused by the strains of HPV that Gardasil immunizes against.”
  Typically, side effects are mild, encompassing pain at the injection site, fever, or dizziness. Serious side effects are rare but may include severe allergic reactions, pain, swelling, redness, itching, bruising, bleeding, and a lump where you got the shot, headache, fever, nausea, and dizziness. Fainting can also happen after getting GARDASIL 9. See safety details Here.

What should you expect at the time of the procedure?

Administering the HPV vaccine involves a series of shots, generally administered in the upper arm and months apart from each application. Your provider will discuss the schedule with you as it varies based on age.

Still have questions about HPV or it’s vaccine?

Don’t worry, because you’re not alone. Remember that we’re here to help and support you, so don’t stress. Having questions is a good and healthy thing! Check out our additional resources below:

• Prefer reading? Here’s an article from NIH (National Institutes of Health) on the matter.
• Rather watch or listen? Here’s video of Nelly herself, one of our esteemed providers, discussing the topic.
• General questions? Reach us via any contact methods listed at the bottom of this page (live chat, email, text messages, or a phone call).
• For specific medical questions or advice, it’s always best to schedule an appointment.

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