Human papillomavirus vaccine or HPV is recommended to be given to women before active sexual intercourse. However, what about women who are married or have sex? Does this vaccine still need to be given and is it still effective in preventing HPV infection?
HPV vaccine is a type of vaccine that works to prevent infection with the HPV virus. Although it is more recommended for women to prevent cervical cancer, this vaccine can also be given to men. The purpose of giving vaccines to men is to protect their partners from the risk of contracting HPV infection.
There are three types of vaccines based on the number and types of HPV viruses that can be prevented, namely:
- Quadrivalent HPV vaccine (Gardasil), for HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18.
- 9-valent vaccine (Gardasil 9), for the same type of HPV as a quadrivalent vaccine (6, 11, 16, and 18) and types 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58.
- Bivalent vaccine (Cervarix), for HPV types 16 and 18.
Effectiveness of the HPV Vaccine in Women Who Are Already Sexually Related
Although HPV vaccines are important, adult women who have multiple sexual partners are not required to complete all types of HPV vaccines. The effectiveness of the HPV vaccine in this group tends to be lower. This is because the possibility of exposure to the HPV virus has occurred before vaccination.
However, for some adult women with one sexual partner and have a risk factor for exposure to low HPV infection, an HPV vaccine can be given. Especially if this group is considered to have a risk of exposure to the HPV virus in the future, for example because they have a new sexual partner.
According to research, the HPV vaccine proved effective and safe to give to women aged over 25 years. In the United States, the HPV vaccine is given until the age of 45 years. It is possible that some individuals over the age of 45 can also benefit from this vaccination.
Conditions for granting HPV vaccine to women who are sexually active
Vaccine efficacy clinical trial data for men and women show that the HPV vaccine is most effective when given to people who have not been infected with HPV. None of the currently available HPV vaccines can treat or accelerate the healing of pre-existing HPV infections. This vaccine also cannot treat or prevent the emergence of diseases due to HPV infections that already exist.
Although its effectiveness needs to be further investigated, sexually active individuals should still be vaccinated according to age-based recommendations. This is because the possibility of HPV vaccine can still provide protection against other types of HPV viruses that did not exist in the previous vaccine.
Regardless of the effectiveness of the HPV vaccine, the decision to vaccinate adults 27 and over must be made individually. Consult with your doctor directly to find out your health condition and whether or not you need to have an HPV vaccination.
Komentar
Posting Komentar