HPV vaccine: A timely matter

Getting an HPV vaccine can help girls avoid a variety of health problems later in life. Proper timing makes all the difference.

Common problem

The most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States? Human papillomavirus, a common virus – better known as HPV – that affects both females and males.

One out of four females between ages 14 and 59 has HPV. It’s the most common sexually transmitted disease in teens and young adults. Each year, about 6.2 million new infections in persons ages 14 to 44 are reported.

Real risk

The virus easily can be transmitted without knowing through intimate, skin-to-skin contact usually from the genitals. Because it’s so common, women may get it from their first sexual exposure. The more partners, the more likelihood of getting an HPV infection. Studies suggest that exposure at a young age increases the risk of cervical cancer and precancerous lesions in women.

Although several types of the virus are harmless and go away on their own, there are some that can cause cervical cancer, abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix, which can lead to cancer, genital warts, or other abnormal cervical changes.

HPV may not show any signs or symptoms. Most women are diagnosed from an abnormal Pap smear. Routine Pap smears can help detect abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix and they can be treated before they have a chance to become precancerous or cervical cancer.

Preventive measures

An HPV vaccine is now available and recommended by the national Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for females 9 to 26 years old.

The HPV vaccine is administered in a three-dose series over six months. The second dose should be given two months after the first, with the third dose administered six months after the first dose. It’s imperative all three shots are administered on schedule for highest protection against the cancer and genital wart causing HPV types.

Optimal time to vaccinate is at 11 to 12 years old. The age may be extended to older females, as well as males, in the near future.