About Human Papillomavirus
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of related viruses with with more than 200 types. Some don't experience symptoms, while others develop genital wards or cervical cancer. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Even those with no symptoms can infect others through sexual contact or other intimate, skin-to-skin contact.
We recommend HPV vaccination for all of our patients. This vaccine, which consists of 3 injections over a 6-month period, protects against 4 different types of HPV:
Type 16 and 18, which are responsible for approximately 70% of cervical cancers, and Type 6 and 11, which are responsible for approximately 90% of genital warts.
This vaccination is more effective in someone who is young and has not had any sexual contacts. It is currently approved for girls and boys age 9 through 26 years.
HPV vaccine side effects include: pain, swelling, itching, bruising, and redness at the injection site, headache, fever, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, and fainting. It should not be given to anyone severely allergic to yeast or pregnant women.
It will not treat current infection with HPV.