HPV Vaccine to Prevent Cervical Cancer

This Virus Is Based On Ancient History…

The source of this disease, “Papillomavirus”, has been identified even in mammalian remains 350 million years ago.

The Most Common Sexually Transmitted Disease!

Today, the most common sexually transmitted disease both in the world and in our country is HPV by far. This sexually transmitted disease, which is common in women between the ages of 18-50, manifests itself as genital warts caused by HPV infection.
 

How is HPV Transmitted?

More than 40 types of HPV are transmitted by direct contact with infected skin during vaginal, anal or oral sex.

In the incoming questions, insinuations that accuse the other side are often included.

For this, I always emphasize two important points.

First:

Many sexually active people, men or women, encounter HPV, usually in their 20s. HPV is a virus that can remain silent in the body after infecting. It can reactivate years later.

The second is:

The possibility of non-sexual transmission of HPV.  Although this is less likely, we do know that HPV is a virus that is resistant to external environments and even some disinfectants.

In the simplest case, it is possible for someone infected with HPV to transmit HPV through hand-to-hand contact.

My HPV Test Came Positive. What Is My Cancer Risk?

Do not worry!

The HPV test is a screening test. It is done to prevent cancer, to catch and treat the lesion before cancer develops.

In the HPV test, it is also important which HPV type is positive.

There are many non-FDA approved tests on the market and they can report almost any type.

This causes unnecessary worry. But that is the subject of another article.

HPV positivity alone is not enough to determine cancer risk. It is necessary to consider many factors such as the patient's previous test results, age, whether he has been vaccinated or not, and his immune system.

First of all, let's know this: 80-90% of HPV infections are cleared by the immune system within 2 years.

Should I Have the HPV Vaccine?

Yes!

There are 3 types of HPV vaccines on the market:

1-) Dual vaccine: It provides protection against HPV 16 and 18.
2-) Quadruple vaccine: In addition to HPV 16 and 18, it also provides protection against HPV 6 and 11, which are the causative agents of genital warts.
3-) Nine vaccines: It provides protection against HPV 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58.

Assoc.Prof. İlker Kahramanoğlu, MD.
Gynecologist
 

Click here to get more information about HPV vaccination process!