Can my wife, 34, get cervical cancer vaccine while breastfeeding?
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
My wife is 34 years old and currently breastfeeding our younger son, who is seven months old.
Can she receive the cervical cancer vaccine? If she has already been exposed to any HPV strains that can potentially cause cancer, will the vaccine still protect her?
Any insights would be appreciated.
Thank you.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I read your query and can understand your concern.
The cervical cancer vaccine is typically administered to young girls before they become sexually active. It is only sometimes given to adult women. However, if necessary, she should ideally undergo HPV (human papillomavirus) screening before receiving the vaccine. If she already has an HPV infection, the vaccine is not required; instead, she should undergo regular cervical cancer screening every three or five years, depending on the test. She can proceed with the vaccine if she does not have the infection.
It is important to note that most HPV infections resolve on their own in the majority of cases. Only a tiny fraction progresses to cervical cancer, which can be detected through routine screening. HPV vaccines are relatively new, and there is insufficient data to confirm their safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid the vaccine during these periods.
I hope this helps.
Please revert to assist you further.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for your reply.
You mentioned that most HPV infections resolve on their own in the majority of cases.
Does this include the HPV strains that cause cancer? In other words, can HPV strains that cause cancer also resolve on their own most of the time?
Kindly guide.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I read your query and can understand your concern.
Yes, it does. It includes the human papillomavirus (HPV) linked to causing cervical cancer.
I hope this helps.
Please revert in case of further queries.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Nowadays, we are not having intercourse and only engaging in mutual masturbation. Can this activity lead to HPV infection for her? Specifically, if I touch her vagina with my finger, can HPV be transmitted to her in this way?
Thank you.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I read your query and can understand your concern.
No, HPV (human papillomavirus) cannot be transmitted by touching the vagina with the finger.
I hope this helps.
Please revert in case of further queries.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for your reply.
In the worst-case scenario where she is infected with HPV that could cause cancer if she then takes the HPV vaccine, will the vaccine still protect her from cancer?
Thank you.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I read your query and can understand your concern.
Once a woman has an HPV (human papillomavirus) infection, HPV vaccination cannot prevent cancer if her body does not naturally clear the infection. However, regular screening for cervical cancer every three to five years can help monitor whether cancer develops. Early-stage cancer is highly treatable.
It is important to note that only a small percentage of individuals with persistent HPV infections develop cancer. These cancers can be diagnosed and treated effectively when detected early through routine screening.
I hope this helps.
Please revert in case of further queries.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for your reply.
Can routine tests for cervical cancer or HPV infection be performed even after receiving the HPV vaccination?
Thank you.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I read your query and can understand your concern.
Yes, routine tests for cervical cancer or HPV (human papillomavirus) infection can be done. As a practice, women should continue routine screening even after vaccination, especially if they were vaccinated as adults.
I hope this helps.
Please revert in case of further queries.
Thank you.
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