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HPV Vaccination

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus with over 200 variants, most of which are harmless. However, some variants can lead to cervical cancer, genital warts, and other types of cancers. It is best to get vaccinated before you have sex for the first time as this means you are protected before you are first exposed to HPV. You will still benefit from the vaccine if you have had sex.

HPV Vaccination (Gardasil 9)

£175

Per dose

Book Now

(Subject to availability, T&C's, discounts and offers)

🦠 What is HPV?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). There are over 200 types of HPV, with at least 14 high-risk types that can cause cancer. HPV is responsible for nearly all cervical cancers, as well as cancers of the anus, penis, vagina, vulva, and throat. The Gardasil 9 vaccine protects against 9 HPV types (6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58).

🩺 Common Conditions Caused by HPV

  • Cervical cancer (99.7% caused by HPV)
  • Genital warts (90% caused by types 6 & 11)
  • Anal, penile, vaginal, and vulvar cancers
  • Oropharyngeal (throat) cancer
  • Precancerous cell changes
  • Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (rare)

👥 Who Should Get Vaccinated?

  • All individuals aged 12-44 years
  • Best protection when given before sexual activity
  • Still beneficial if already sexually active
  • Both males and females
  • Those with previous HPV infection (protects against other types)
  • Immunocompromised individuals (may need extra dose)

Vaccination Schedule

Age Group Doses Required Schedule Boost Required
12-14 years 2 5-13 months apart (typically at 0 and 6-12 months) N/A
15-44 years 3 0, 2, and 6 months (2nd dose: 2 months after 1st / 3rd dose: 6 months after 1st) N/A

Note: The 2-dose schedule is only for those starting the series before their 15th birthday. Anyone starting at age 15 or older requires 3 doses for full protection.

📋 HPV Types and Cancers

Gardasil 9 protects against 9 HPV types:

  • Types 16 & 18: Cause 70% of cervical cancers and precancerous lesions
  • Types 6 & 11: Cause 90% of genital warts
  • Types 31, 33, 45, 52, 58: Cause additional 15-20% of cervical cancers

HPV-related cancers:

  • Cervical cancer: 99.7% HPV-related
  • Anal cancer: 90% HPV-related
  • Oropharyngeal cancer: 70% HPV-related
  • Vaginal cancer: 75% HPV-related
  • Vulvar cancer: 70% HPV-related
  • Penile cancer: 60% HPV-related

⚠️ How HPV Spreads

Primary transmission routes:

  • Sexual contact: Vaginal, anal, or oral sex
  • Skin-to-skin contact: Genital-to-genital contact (even without penetration)
  • Shared sex toys: Without proper cleaning or barrier protection
  • Vertical transmission: Mother to baby during childbirth (rare)

⚠️ Important: HPV can be transmitted even when there are no visible symptoms. Condoms reduce but do not eliminate risk, as HPV can infect areas not covered by condoms.

Cannot be spread through:

  • Toilet seats or swimming pools
  • Sharing food or drinks
  • Hugging or holding hands
  • Casual kissing

🎯 High-Risk Groups

Increased risk of HPV infection:

  • Sexually active individuals: Especially with multiple partners
  • Young adults (15-24): Highest prevalence age group
  • Unvaccinated individuals: No protection against high-risk types
  • Immunocompromised: HIV/AIDS, organ transplant recipients
  • Previous STI history: Chlamydia, gonorrhea, or other STIs
  • Early sexual debut: Starting sexual activity at younger age
  • Lack of barrier protection: Inconsistent condom use

⚠️ Important: 80% of sexually active people will get HPV at some point in their lives. Most infections clear naturally, but some persist and can cause cancer.

🩺 Symptoms of HPV Infection

Low-Risk HPV (Genital Warts):

  • Soft, raised growths on or around genitals or anus
  • Can be small or large, flat or cauliflower-shaped
  • May appear as single wart or clusters
  • Can cause itching, discomfort, or bleeding
  • May develop weeks, months, or years after exposure

High-Risk HPV (Often No Symptoms):

  • Most infections cause NO visible symptoms
  • Precancerous cell changes (detected by screening)
  • Abnormal Pap test results
  • Cervical dysplasia (abnormal cell growth)
  • May progress to cancer if untreated

HPV-Related Cancer Symptoms:

  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Pelvic pain or pressure
  • Anal bleeding or pain
  • Difficulty swallowing (throat cancer)
  • Persistent sore throat or ear pain
  • Lumps or growths in genital area

🚨 Most HPV infections are asymptomatic. Regular screenings (Pap tests, HPV tests) are essential for early detection, especially for cervical cancer.

💉 Gardasil 9 Vaccine Benefits

Protection Coverage:

  • Protects against 9 HPV types
  • Prevents 90% of cervical cancers
  • Prevents 90% of genital warts
  • Prevents 95% of anal cancers
  • Reduces risk of throat cancers
  • Prevents precancerous lesions

Efficacy:

  • Over 90% effective when given before exposure
  • Best protection before sexual activity begins
  • Still beneficial if already sexually active
  • Protects against types you haven't encountered
  • Long-lasting immunity (10+ years proven)
  • No booster currently required

Safety Profile:

  • Excellent safety record since 2006
  • Most common: mild injection site reactions
  • Temporary soreness, redness, or swelling
  • Headache or fatigue (mild, short-lived)
  • Low fever possible
  • Serious side effects extremely rare

🛡️ Prevention Strategies

  • Vaccination: Most effective prevention - get vaccinated before sexual activity
  • Condom use: Reduces but doesn't eliminate risk
  • Limit sexual partners: Reduces exposure risk
  • Mutual monogamy: With uninfected partner
  • Regular screening: Pap tests and HPV tests for early detection
  • Avoid sharing sex toys: Or use barriers and clean thoroughly
  • Get vaccinated even if sexually active: Still provides protection

🔬 Screening Recommendations

Cervical cancer screening:

  • Ages 21-29: Pap test every 3 years
  • Ages 30-65: Pap + HPV test every 5 years (or Pap alone every 3 years)
  • After 65: May stop if adequate screening history

For those at higher risk:

  • HIV-positive: More frequent screening
  • Weakened immune system: Annual screening
  • History of precancer: Follow-up per doctor
  • DES exposure: Specialized screening

⚠️ Vaccination does NOT replace screening. Both are important for prevention.

📞 When to Seek Medical Advice

Consult a healthcare provider if:

  • Genital warts appear (any size or number)
  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Unusual lumps or growths in genital area
  • Persistent sore throat or difficulty swallowing
  • Anal bleeding, pain, or discharge
  • Abnormal Pap test results
  • Questions about HPV vaccination
  • Due for cervical cancer screening

📌 Important HPV Vaccination Information

Who should get vaccinated:

  • All individuals aged 12-44 (both males and females)
  • Ideally before becoming sexually active
  • Still beneficial if already sexually active
  • Those with previous HPV infection (protects against other types)
  • Immunocompromised individuals (discuss with doctor)

Who should NOT get vaccinated:

  • Severe allergic reaction to previous HPV vaccine dose
  • Severe allergy to vaccine component (yeast)
  • Currently pregnant (wait until after delivery)
  • Moderate or severe acute illness (wait until recovered)

Note: Breastfeeding is NOT a contraindication - vaccine is safe while breastfeeding.

Key facts:

  • Cannot get HPV from the vaccine (does not contain live virus)
  • Does not treat existing HPV infections or genital warts
  • Protects against future infections with vaccine types
  • Most effective when given before exposure
  • Safe for use with other vaccines
  • Over 270 million doses administered worldwide
  • Proven to dramatically reduce cervical cancer rates

Protect Yourself from HPV-Related Cancers

Get vaccinated with Gardasil 9 to prevent HPV infections and reduce your cancer risk. Available for ages 12-44.

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