Gardasil: HPV Vaccine
- Posted on: Mar 1 2022
HPV (human papillomavirus) is an extremely infectious sexually transmitted virus that is the leading cause of cervical cancer in women. There is no cure for HPV and since 80% of sexually active people have or will have HPV by the age of 50, it’s very difficult to prevent, so it’s important to consider becoming vaccinated against HPV.
HPV is a virus you may not even know you have, and your partner may not know they have given it to you. Â Once sexual activity has begun, the likelihood of contracting HPV is 40% within two years and more than 50% within four years
The physicians and nurse practitioners at Camelback Women’s Health highly recommend the Gardasil 9 vaccine for women aged 9 through 45. This this vaccine is effective in preventing:
- Cervical cancer
- Vulvar and vaginal cancers
- Anal cancer
- Certain head and neck cancers, such as throat and back of mouth cancers
- Precancerous cervical, vulvar, vaginal and anal lesions
- Genital warts
In addition, vaccinating boys and men (ages 9 through 45) with Gardasil 9 will protect them against:
- Anal cancer
- Certain head and neck cancers, such as throat and back of mouth cancers
- Precancerous anal lesions
- Genital warts
Gardasil is a vaccine given in a series of 3 doses injected to the upper arm. You cannot get HPV by receiving the vaccine.
The American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Cancer Society, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists all agree and support CDC recommendations for routine vaccination with Gardasil.
Posted in: Gynecology