HPV Vaccine: The Good Sides And Bad Sides

The number of persons affected by HPV (human papillomavirus) runs into millions. Modes of transmission of this virus are via sex and skin-to-skin contact.HPV indeed disappears on its own; however, there are some strains capable of developing cancer of the cervix and genital warts – issues that bring worries.

But not to worry, the HPV vaccine is safe. It is also effective enough to keep away diseases caused by HPV from kids and adults.

For preteens between 11 to 12 years old, the CDC (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends this vaccine be administered to them. This way, they are safe from HPV before when they may come in contact with the infection. This vaccine is available for taking till one reaches 45 years.

The perks of HPV vaccine

The following advantages are present with the HPV vaccine:

• It can resist HPV types 16 and 18 – these two strains can bring about certain cancers
• Certain vaccines can fight off some strains of the HPV responsible for genital warts

The FDA approves these three vaccines as protection from HPV: Gardasil, Gardasil 9, and Cervarix. For any of these medications, patients get a set of 2 or 3 injections in a muscle for 6 months following how old they are.

Of the three vaccines, Gardasil 9 takes care of many HPV types. Just so you enjoy full benefits, it is critical to get all the injections.

HPV types 16 and 18 are resisted with each of the three vaccines. These two strains of the virus come ata high risk since they can cause cancer of the anus, cervix and vulva.

Even HPV types 6 and 11 that commonly cause genital warts are restrained by the Gardasil vaccines.

Summarily, the basic perk of the HPV vaccine is that it can prevent the development of cancer and genital warts.

What are the side effects or other disadvantages of the HPV vaccine?

The following disadvantages can come with the HPV vaccine:

• It can bring about side effects, but these are not common. Up until now, there have not been any severe side effects from the vaccine
• It only prevents cancer caused by certain types of HPV, however, it doesn’t prevent all

Perhaps, the most relevant drawback of the HPV vaccine is possible side effects though they don’t show up always.

The HPV vaccine doesn’t cause any worrisome side effects for many persons. What is more common is mild to moderate side effects, yet they don’t present all the time. The side effects that are mild to moderate may be:

• Headache
• Mild fever
• Fatigue
• Swelling or pain in the injected area
• Fainting
• Pain in the muscles
• Pain in the joint
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting and nausea

Should you take the vaccine and experience one or more of the side effects mentioned above or other abnormal symptoms, or if the symptoms seem to prolong, you need to seek the help of your healthcare provider.

Certain worries about the HPV vaccine lead to chronic side effects or complications like infertility.

So many studies of the HPV vaccine disseminated in 2013, 2014, and 2016 affirmed the vaccine’s safety just like other vaccines. Again, this research says those vaccinated don’t have an increased odds of experiencing anything bad compared to having other vaccines right after vaccination or in time to come.

The HPV vaccine does not impact fertility – it could even enhance fertility in certain women that have contracted infectious diseases via sex.

An added disadvantage of the HPV vaccine is the limitation in application:

• It stops only certain cancers caused by HPV, but not all. Based on this, women should undergo a regular Pap test to detect cervical cancer symptoms.
• It offers no prevention from other STIs or treats underlying conditions caused by HPV. So, you should use protection during sex, so you don’t have or pass HPV to others.

Factors that put you at risk for HPV

The biggest factor that increases your chances of having the human papillomavirus is when you have not received the vaccine. But aside from vaccination, some factors will get you infected with HPV rapidly, including:

• Unprotected sex
• Having more than one sexual partner
• Injury or broken skin
• Exposure to infectious warts
• Habits like the use of tobacco and smoking that suppresses the immune system
• A breached immune system
• A diet deficient in vital minerals, vitamins, plus other nutrients

The good thing is that there are control measures for most of these risk factors.

Are there other preventative measures for HPV?

Generally, the HPV vaccine is your best getaway from contracting the virus. There are other ways the virus can be prevented:

• The use of protection during sexual activity. When you use dental dams, condoms, plus other forms of protection, the odds of having or passing on HPV are reduced.
• Regular testing for cancer of the cervix. This one concerns the female folk primarily. Women between 21 to 65 years should undergo Pap tests regularly to identify if there are unusual changes in cervical cells.
• Eat healthy. A study showed a link between a deficiency in folic acid and higher chances of HPV infection. Another study showed the relationship between lower chances of precancerous cancer and increased consumption of plant-based nutrients, including vitamin C.

In conclusion

HPV indeed disappears on its own; however,some strains of the virus can progress into issues like cancer of the cervix.For kids aged 11 years and grown-ups close to 45 years of age, the HPV vaccine offers protection – this is the greatest benefit of the vaccine. The greatest disadvantage of this vaccine is the uncommon side effects.

For questions about the HPV vaccine plus other perks and drawbacks, speak with your healthcare provider or visit here. They will provide more information about the vaccine, and you will get to know if you and your child can have it. The earlier this vaccine is taken, the better. While it’s advised to get vaccinated for HPV, it’s important to know the perks and drawbacks to getting the vaccine. For instance, the vaccine can protect against HPV strains that cause some cancers, including genital warts, but it cannot protect against all HPV strains. Find out more here.