How effective is the vaccine in preventing HPV infection?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 32-year-old married woman and I have one son. I wanted to know about HPV infection and if it causes cervical cancer. If so, how can I screen myself? I have heard that cervical cancer screening should start at the age of 30. Is it compulsory for a woman to get screened for cervical cancer? Is there any vaccine available to prevent such infection? At what age should the vaccine be taken? Are there any side effects of the vaccine? Can all women take the vaccine without any fear? Can this vaccine completely prevent HPV (human papillomavirus) infection? I need your guidance.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for choosing us as your healthcare provider.

I have gone through all your details and appreciate your concern.

HPV (human papillomavirus) infection is caused by the human papillomavirus. 90 percent of sexually active women get an HPV infection after sexual exposure. The infection is transient in most cases, and the body clears it on its own. There are different types of HPV serotypes, and some of these serotypes cause cervical cancer. In fact, 90 percent of cervical cancer cases are caused by HPV infection. Therefore, HPV screening is important. HPV screening can be done in most large hospitals, and results can be obtained on the same day. If the result is normal, it should be repeated in five years. However, if the result shows an HPV type linked to causing cervical cancer, further tests will be required.

There are vaccines approved for the prevention of cervical cancer. The vaccine is mainly given to girls before they start sexual activity (ages 9 to 14 years). The vaccine does not have any documented major side effects, although some people might have allergic reactions. So, the vaccine can be taken without any fear. The vaccine has over a 95 percent chance of preventing HPV infection and, therefore, cervical cancer. So, it is very effective.

I hope that you get your answer. Please let me know if you need some help.

Thank you.