Prevention
Life-style modifications:
- Safe sex methods to prevent HPV infection
- Regular pap smears at age 18 or at the onset of sexual activity, whichever comes first
- If you smoke, quit
Vaccine
Gardasil is the first vaccine against human papillomavirus (HPV) to prevent:
- Cervical cancer
- Precancerous genital lesions
- Genital warts due to certain types of HPV
The vaccine is approved for use in females aged 9-26 years old. It is given as a series of three injections. They are given over a 6-month period. There is a catch-up schedule as well. The vaccine blocks four types of HPV:
- Types16 and 18—responsible for the development of cervical cancer
- Types 6 and 11—responsible for genital warts
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2024 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.