Sexual Wellness-Breaking the Taboo
One of the many cultural and religious taboos plaguing discussions about and awareness about women's health concerns sexual wellness. Many young adults and married women have very limited knowledge of HPV, and even lesser knowledge of the particulars of the HPV vaccine. Some people who have not been vaccinated might actually contract genital warts from sexual contact. The HPV vaccine is not simply important for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, but also to prevent various cancers such as cervical, vaginal and rectal cancers.
What is HPV?
The human papillomavirus, also called HPV, is most commonly contracted as a result of sexual activity, and a common symptom is genital warts. An estimated 80% of women will contract HPV in their lifetime (Myers et al. 2000). Many people who are infected with the virus are unaware that they have it, since it can be asymptomatic. Many are also not aware that a very effective vaccine exists to prevent the infection.
Getting vaccinated means that you're not only preventing pesky genital warts which cause interruptions in your sexual life, but also preventing detrimental cancers by increasing the immunity in your body towards HPV.
How Does the HPV Vaccine Work?
There are several sexually-transmitted diseases which are directly linked to anal, penile, vaginal and cervical cancers. In fact, some head, throat and neck cancers are also caused by HPV, hence necessitating an early vaccine. The basic function of the HPV vaccine is to prevent genital warts and as a consequence, rid the body of the virus.
Who Should Get the HPV Vaccine?
If you are confused about the particulars, you should consult a gynecologist in Dubai to guide you. The vaccine is administered to children older than 9 with their general other vaccinations as well. Besides that, a general recommendatory dose is given according to age. For the ages between 21-29, 90% of all cases don't require an HPV test since the immune system clears out the virus between 2 years of contracting it, and the condition is usually asymptomatic. However, an unclear Pap test in this age group may lead to a recommendation for an HPV test, to determine any abnormalities in your cervix.
For people aged 30 and above, a Pap test will be recommended alongside an HPV test to screen for the infection as well as cervical cancers. If the results are normal, you can then get your next test done anytime in the next 5 years.
Can Pregnant Women Get the HPV Vaccine?
Getting the HPV vaccine does not deter your chances of getting pregnant, but getting it while pregnant may cause some issues. It is therefore recommended that when you start thinking about conceiving, you get the HPV vaccine prior to your planned pregnancy.
Some of the common issues noted in pregnant women who have not gotten the vaccine prior to pregnancy are:
- Bleeding and Abscesses in Genital Warts- Pregnancy-related hormonal changes may cause warts to swell and bleed, causing discomfort. Many women experience the number of warts increasing and growing exponentially when pregnant and undergoing treatment for genital warts and STIs.
- Congenital HPV- Although rare, pregnant women who have contracted HPV may pass it along to their baby. The most common consequence of this is growth in the airways of the fetus, call recurrent respiratory papillomatosis
When and Where to Get the Vaccine
The vaccine can be administered to children ages 9 and above, with the most common form being the Gardasil 9 formulation. For women, the ideal age to get the vaccine is prior to puberty, since the contraction of the infection is not cured by the vaccine alone. Two dosages within a span of 6 months between each dose is adequate in preventing the HPV infection, for children under the age of 12.
For people older than 12, 3 doses are recommended for effective immunization against the virus. It is important to consult your doctor if you have a serious health condition to combat the potential side effects of the vaccine, if you have the proclivity to any.
If you have serious or severe allergic reactions to the vaccine, or cannot take it during pregnancy, there are some alternatives for the treatment of the infection. However, once you contract the infection, the chances of it recurring are quite high.
Combating Side Effects
There are few serious side effects of the vaccine, and the overall effects are mild in most people. Some people may feel soreness, redness and swelling at the injection site. Some people might experience dizziness or fainting, and should consume juices and remain seated after the administration of the vaccine.
Some of the more serious side effects may be headaches, vomiting or nausea, but these are also judged by severity.
Conclusion
The HPV vaccine is a common, routine vaccine, much like polio. If you are concerned about the effects of the vaccine on your reproductive health because you are undergoing PCOS treatment, opt for a pap smear to figure out the particulars of proceeding with the vaccine if you haven't gotten it already.