Human papillomavirus (HPV)is the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection in the United States.
And should you get it?
Heres what experts say.
HPV can spread during vaginal, oral, or anal sex and by close skin-to-skin contact during sex.
In about 90% of cases, the body will fight off the HPV within two years.
HPV can also causegenital warts.
Why Is Gardasil Given to Kids?
HPV-related cancers develop slowly and often dont show up until adulthood.
As such, many caregivers dont feel any urgency about vaccinating their kids against HPV.
However, the best protection is offered if kids get the HPV vaccine before their first sexual encounter.
Jude Childrens Research Hospital, told Verywell.
The HPV vaccine is a preventive measure.
We want to ensure that children receive the vaccine before engaging in behaviors that may lead to cancer later.
The study also showed that the vaccine was very safe.
Is The HPV Vaccine Safe?
Can You Still Get the HPV Vaccine as an Adult?
Adults getting the vaccine for the first time will need more doses than children.
Could the Vaccine Eliminate HPV-Related Cancers?
TheHPV vaccineprevents 90% of HPV-related cancers and almost 100% of cervical cancers, said Brandt.
Brandt said that Australia is on track to eliminate cervical cancer by 2035 because of its high vaccination rates.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has actually made it a global goal toeliminate cervical cancer.
Talk to your provider about whether it would make sense to get the HPV vaccine as an adult.
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