Most pediatricians recommend that teens get the HPV vaccine. Some parents think why would my child need the vaccine if they aren’t sexually active? See the facts below to help make your decision to get or not get the HPV vaccine.
The Best Time To Protect Children is Before They Are Sexually Active
The best time to protect your children from contracting the human papilloma virus (HPV) is before they are sexually active because that is the time when infection is the highest.
80% of Sexually Active People Are Infected With At Least One Strain of HPV
Chances are high that your children will come in to contact with HPV at some point in their lives. So far about 100 strains of the virus have been isolated and 30 those are transmitted through the genital track. Many times there are no signs that an infection has taken place.
Low Risk Strains of HPV vs. High Risk Strains
Low Risk – Genital warts can be caused by low risk strain of HPV. The warts are not cancerous and can be removed with topical medication or through a medical procedure.
High Risk – There are 15 types of high risk HPV strains and they are associated with cancer of the anus, cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, neck, and head. It usually takes a number of years for cervical cancer to develop. The HPV infection can cause cells on or around the cervix to become abnormal.
PAP Tests
A PAP test can detect signs of abnormal cell changes of the cervix and allow treatment before cancer has develops. The PAP test has seriously reduced the number of cervical cancer cases in the United States. The HPV test is noq being used at the same time for women 30 and older or after the presence of abnormal cells are found.
HPV Tests
HPV tests can identify 13-14 high risk strains of the virus. It can detect the virus before visual changes are made in cervical cells. There are not currently any tests to find HPV in men.
Vaccines Are Available for 4 Strains of HPV
Vaccines that prevent most types of genital warts and most types of cervical cancer are available. Most cases of genital warts are caused by strains 6 and 11 and most cases of cervical cancer are caused by strains 16 and 18. All four can be prevented by the HPV vaccine.
These are just some of the facts. Please consult your healthcare provider for more information.
Contact us (513-985-0950) today if you have any questions about his topic!