One would have probably not heard of human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection responsible for causing genital warts and even certain types of cancers. Even more so, not many are aware that HPV vaccination can prevent the infection. There are about 200 viruses, out of which about 40 types can infect human beings and cause HPV infections such as genital warts. It is the persistent infection with the cancer-causing types of the virus that leads to precancers and anogenital cancers such as cervical, vulvar, vaginal, and anal cancers. Moreover, all genital HPV infections cannot be prevented by just screening or abstinence, hence vaccination is considered the only form of prevention of HPV. Here are the top 10 reasons to be vaccinated against HPV:
HPV causes genital warts, which can be distressing and embarrassing
As per Dr Suman Singh, “Although most genital warts that appear in the genital area as an unusual growth, lump, or sore, resolve spontaneously within a year or two. Living with the infection can be painful, distressing, and even cause embarrassment and lack of self-confidence. Moreover, certain high-risk strains of virus can coexist with warts that have a high propensity to turn cancerous.”
HPV can spread from females to males and vice-versa
Just close skin contact is enough for the transmission of HPV from one person to the other, and the infected may not necessarily have any symptoms. This makes it difficult for one to be aware of their condition and refrain from having close sexual contact to prevent transmitting the virus.
Also Read: 1 in 3 Men Carries HPV: Know The Hidden Truth Of HPV
Vaccinating early before sexual debut is more efficient
Dr Singh shares, “vaccinating children before their sexual debut can help offer protection from all the HPV types included in the vaccine. Also, the degree of protection is higher when the vaccination is done before the age of 15 years.”
HPV vaccination protects sexually active people against HPV infections
Almost all unvaccinated people who are sexually active will get an HPV infection at some point in their life. Research has shown that about 85% of the population will get infected with HPV in their lifetime.
HPV vaccination is safe
“No serious side effects to the HPV vaccine have been reported. Only minor side effects such as redness, pain, and swelling at the injection site, which are common with any other vaccination, have been reported,” informs Dr Singh.
Also Read: HPV Vaccination: When Is The Right Time to Get Yourself Vaccinated?
Persistent HPV infection can lead to cancer
Research has found that it can take 10 to 20 years, or sometimes even longer, for HPV-infected cells to develop into cancerous tumours.
Prevention of cancer is cost-effective than treating it
Cost of HPV vaccination is much lower than that for treating cancer. While treating HPV cancers could cost more than ₹20 lakhs, the cost of HPV vaccination is less than 1% of the cost of cancer treatment.
HPV vaccination can prevent HPV-related cancer
As per Dr Singh, HPV infections are the major cause of cervical cancer in women, the second-most common cancer in India. Thus, vaccination against HPV is the best way to prevent HPV-related cancers.
Also Read: HPV Vaccination: Impact On Cervical Cancer Prevention And Control
Watch this video for more information
Prevents Cancer
HPV vaccination prevents the progression of cancer; hence it is beneficial even in people who have already been exposed to the virus. “Only 4 in 1000 women, who are already exposed to HPV, get infected with the most prevalent type of HPV. The rest should still get vaccinated to reduce their chances of contracting the virus,” shares Dr Singh. The risk of progression from slight abnormalities to cancer is 7 times higher in women over the age of 30 years, and women who had previously been infected or exposed to HPV can still benefit from the vaccine.
HPV vaccination provides long-term protection against HPV infections
HPV vaccination provides a long-lasting protection in both males and females with no signs of waning over time.
Your shot for a safer tomorrow awaits- go get vaccinated today!
References
https://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv-and-men.htm#:~:text=How%20do%20men%20get%20HPV,during%20anal%20or%20vaginal%20sex. https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/vaccine/six-reasons.html#print
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-and-cancer
ttps://hpvcentre.net/statistics/reports/IND.pdf
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/hpv/public/index.html