HPV and the Gardasil Vaccine!
What is HPV?
HPV stands for Human papillomavirus, which is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). There are over 100 different types of HPV, but not all of them lead to health problems. Most sexually active people will have HPV at some point in their life; it is nothing to be ashamed of! According to the CDC, there were about 43 million HPV infections in 2018, many of which were found in people in their late teens and early 20s. That being said, anyone is susceptible to contracting HPV if they don’t take proper precautions while being sexually active.
HPV can be transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex, and through close skin-to-skin contact during sex with someone who has HPV. Most of the time, HPV shows no symptoms, and many people aren’t even aware that they have it. While most cases of HPV go away on their own after a couple of years, there are cases in which it doesn’t go away and can cause cancer and/or genital warts. While most HPV infections don't lead to cancer, most cervical cancers are caused by HPV infections.
How Do I Prevent HPV?
There are many ways to prevent the transmission of HPV:
Get the Gardasil vaccine!
Practice safe sex by using a condom. However, be aware that HPV can infect areas the condom does not cover.
If you have a cervix, make sure to get routine pap smears at a frequency that is appropriate for your age! (Call our office if you have questions about the recommended frequency.)
Because there is no treatment for asymptomatic HPV, there is no recommended screening test for people with penises or people under the age of 30.
What is the Gardasil vaccine?
Gardasil is the vaccine that is used to help protect from 9 different strains of HPV that may cause genital warts and cancers.
This vaccine is recommended for preteens of all genders 11-12 years old, however it can be given as early as age 9. It is also recommended for everyone up to 26 years old who has not yet received the vaccination. If you are between 27-45 years old, you should consult with a healthcare professional before deciding whether or not to get the vaccine. It is administered in a series of 2 or 3 shots with a dosing schedule determined by your healthcare provider/professional.
The Gardasil vaccine is available at Bridgercare, however it is not included on our sliding fee scale. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Bridgercare at (406) 587-0681!