Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Cervical Cancer
I went for my pap smear last week and my gynae advised me to go for the vaccination against Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
HPV is a common virus that affects both females and males. There are more than 100 types of HPV that can affect different areas of the body. Most types are relatively harmless —like the ones that cause common warts on hands and feet. Some types of HPV can affect the genital area and can lead to cervical cancer, abnormal cervical cells, and genital warts.
Before I can take the jab, I need to perform a cervical check to identify is I’m a carrier for HPV. If I am, I can forget about the vaccination as it’s not going to help to prevent cervival up to 90%. But if I am not, I will have to take the jabs at 0, 2 and 6 months for better prevention. Once you are immune, you will still have to perform pap smear every year as the vaccination doesn’t provide 100% protection. Any girls above 9 years old can get the vaccination, regardless of being sexually active or not.
I can’t take the jab now as I’m moving to Bangkok and I’m not sure when I will be back. But I will find out more about this before I decide to go for the jabs. If you are interested, check out the related information about HPV at http://www.tellsomeone.com.my/
