Will the girls/women who have been vaccinated still need cervical cancer screening?
Yes, they will still need to see their healthcare provider for
cervical cancer screening. There are three reasons why women will still need
regular cervical cancer screening. First, the vaccine will NOT provide
protection against all types of HPV that cause cervical cancer, so women will
still be at risk for some cancers. Second, some women may not get all required
doses of the vaccine (or they may not get them at the right times), so they may
not get the vaccine's full benefits. Third, women may also not get the vaccine's
full benefits if they have already acquired a vaccine HPV type.
Why is the vaccine only recommended for girls/women ages 9 through 26?
The vaccine has been extensively tested in 9 through 26 year-old females so
information is only available about vaccine safety and protection for
girls/women of this age group. However, studies on the vaccine are now being
done in boys/men, as well as in women older than 26 years of age. The FDA will
consider licensing the vaccine for these other groups when there is research to
show that it is safe and effective in these groups.
Why is HPV vaccine recommended for girls 11 to 12 years of age?
It is important for girls to get HPV vaccine before they become sexually
active. The vaccine is most effective for girls/women who get vaccinated before
their first sexual contact. It does not work as well for those who were exposed
to the virus before getting the vaccine. However, most women will still benefit
from getting the vaccine because they will be protected against other virus
types contained in the vaccine.
Should pregnant women be vaccinated?
The vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women. There has only been
limited information about vaccine safety among pregnant women and their unborn
babies. So far, studies suggest that the vaccine has not caused health problems
during pregnancy, nor has it caused health problems for the child. But more
research is still needed. For now, pregnant women should wait to complete their
pregnancy before getting the vaccine. If a women finds out she is pregnant after
she has started getting the vaccine series, she should wait until after her
pregnancy is completed to finish the three-dose series.
Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs,
are infections that are transmitted during any type of sexual exposure,
including intercourse (vaginal or anal), oral sex, and the sharing of sexual
devices, such as vibrators. Women can contract all of the STDs, but may have no symptoms, or have different symptoms than men do.
Cervical cancer is cancer of the entrance to the womb (uterus). Regular pelvic exams and Pap testing can detect precancerous changes in the cervix. Precancerous changes in the cervix may be treated with cryosurgery, cauterization, or laser surgery. The most common symptom of cancer of the cervix is abnormal bleeding.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the U.S. HPV is primarily transmitted by sexual contact. While some people develop warts in the genital region after infection, others experience no symptoms. Though genital warts can be removed, there is no cure for HPV infection. There is a vaccine to prevent infection from four common HPV types.
Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are infections that are transmitted during any
type of sexual exposure, including intercourse (vaginal or anal), oral sex, and
the sharing of sexual devices, such as vibrators. Although treatment exists for many STDs, others currently are
usually incurable, such as those caused by HIV, HPV, hepatitis B and C, and HHV-8.
Children's health is focused on the well-being of children from conception through adolescence. There are many aspects of children's health, including growth and development, illnesses, injuries, behavior, mental illness, family health and community health.
Teenagers recognize that they are developmentally between child and adult. Teen health prevention includes maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, preventing injuries and screening annually for potential health conditions that could adversely affect teenage health.
When you are pregnant, many sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can be especially harmful to you and your baby. These STDs include herpes, HIV/AIDS, genital warts (HPV), hepatitis B, chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. Symptoms include bumps, sores, warts, swelling, itching, or redness in the genital region. Treatment of STDs while pregnant depends on how far along you are in the pregnancy and the progression of the infection.
Disease prevention in women includes screening tests that are a basic part of prevention medicine. All screening tests
are commonly available through your general doctor. Some specialized tests may be available elsewhere.
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