Why Every Woman Needs to Know About the HPV Vaccine

Every year, the world observes International HPV Awareness Day on 4th March. And Janhvi Kapoor, one of the most sought-after actresses in Hindi Cinema, has been at the forefront of spreading awareness about Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Janhvi educates audiences about the causes and risks of HPV.

HPV, or Human Papillomavirus, is a group of more than 150 related viruses. Each HPV virus is given a number which is called its HPV type. Some types can lead to cancer, while others can cause skin warts. HPV is named for the warts (papillomas) some HPV types can cause.

HPV is transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact. You can get HPV by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus. It is most commonly spread during vaginal or anal sex. HPV can be passed even when an infected person has no signs or symptoms.

Sudeshna Ray, the medical director of Gytree says, "The lower part of the womb is called cervix and the cancer in this part is called cervical cancer and many Indian women get this. It occurs through unhygienic habits, lack of bathing and cleaning, frequent sex in teenage years,  multiple sexual partners and absence of regular checks with a gynaec." 

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In most cases, HPV goes away on its own and does not cause any health problems. But when HPV does not go away, it can cause health problems like genital warts and cancer. HPV can cause cervical and other cancers including cancer of the vulva, vagina, penis, or anus. It can also cause cancer in the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils (called oropharyngeal cancer).

Cancer often takes years, even decades, to develop after a person gets HPV. The types of HPV that can cause genital warts are not the same as the types of HPV that can cause cancers.

There is no way to know which people who have HPV will develop cancer or other health problems. People with weak immune systems (including those with HIV/AIDS) may be less able to fight off HPV and more likely to develop health problems from it.

The HPV vaccine is a powerful tool in preventing these health issues. It is most effective when given before a person becomes sexually active, but can still offer protection to those who have already been sexually active. The vaccine is recommended for all girls and boys ages 11-12 but can be given as early as age 9 and up until age 26. The vaccine is given in a series of either two or three shots, depending on age at initial vaccination.