Did you know that HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in both males and females with 40% aged 15 to 59 years in the US? However, it can be prevented with the HPV vaccine. There has been a decline in rates of HPV-related cancers and genital warts with the vaccine. Learn about the benefits and disadvantages of the HPV vaccine in this article. Log on to www.doralhw.org for a consultation.

5 benefits of the HPV Vaccine

Here are the 5 major benefits you can get from the HPV vaccine:

  1. It can reduce your risk of HPV-related cancers and genital warts in any sexually active person. Experts have noticed a drop of over 80% in HPV infections related to cancer and genital warts cases since the introduction of the vaccine.
  2. Due to its wide availability, it helped to prevent cervical cancer, especially in people assigned female at birth (AFAB). Since 2006, cervical cancer rates have fallen.
  3. It also prevents the risk of anal and penile cancers in people assigned male at birth (AMAB). However, the FDA approved late HPV vaccines in AMAB until 2011 which reduced the vaccination rates in them. This also becomes the reason for HPV-related throat cancers in this group.
  4. The best defense against viral infections related to sex is to get vaccinated with HPV vaccines regardless of sex before engaging in any sexual activity.
  5. It not only protects you but also your sexual partners. For instance, you don’tdevelop cervical cancer. Still, you can get infected from an unvaccinated sexual partner with a cervix with HPV strains and put them at risk of cervical cancer, unless you’re

How long is it effective for?

HPV vaccines are available in three forms – Gardasil, Cervarix, and Gardasil-9. Each vaccine can protect you from HPV for years after people complete the series. Experts believe that each vaccine can protect you this long after completing the series, including:

  • Gardasil can remain effective for 10+ years after vaccination.
  • Cervarix can remain effective for 10+ years after vaccination.
  • Gardasil-9 can remain effective for at least 6 years after vaccination.

However, scientists are still monitoring the vaccine’s effectiveness over time.

Disadvantages

While there are many benefits, there are some limitations as well. Here are the disadvantages you may face after HPV vaccination, including:

  1. Rarely, you can experience mild to moderate side effects after the vaccination. It includes:
  • Slight fever
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle pain
  • Joint pain
  • Fainting
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Pain at the injection site
  • Swelling
  • Diarrhea

While these side effects go away on their own, however, if symptoms persist, you should talk with your doctor to get medical treatment.

  1. HPV vaccines can’tprotect you from all HPV-related cancers, only some. That’s why women must get a routine Pap test to check for signs of cervical cancer.
  2. The vaccines also don’tprotect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or treat existing HPV-related illnesses or infections. That’s why you need to use condoms or other barrier methods during sex to protect yourself and your partner from transmitting STIs.

The HPV vaccine is quite effective against cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers. So, it is essential that as a parent or caregiver, you vaccinate your child with this vaccine. If you’re an adult of 45 years old or younger and never get vaccinated, then you should consult with your provider about whether the HPV vaccine is beneficial for you or not. You rarely experience side effects. Otherwise, it is a good vaccine choice that you should consider before engaging in any sexual activity.

Need help with the HPV vaccine for yourself, visit our infectious specialist in Brooklyn clinic to get proper medical support. Call to book your appointment today. Don’t make your body suffer more from the infection, get professional help by visiting our infectious disease specialists in our Brooklyn clinic. They listen to your concerns and treat you accordingly. Get free tips on how to stay safe from infectious diseases. Call us on +1-347-384-5690. If you need any information on infections, log on to www.doralhw.org  get a consultation. We have the best doctors that can help you and improve your quality of life!