Certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) increase the risk of reproductive cancers like cervical cancer. At Nova Women’s Health in North Reading, Massachusetts, Anju Nayar, MD, FACOG, and the health specialists provide the HPV vaccine to protect women from the virus and potential health complications. Do you have questions about the HPV vaccine? Call the office today or schedule an appointment using the online booking button.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a type of viral infection that passes from person to person through skin-to-skin contact. There are many strains of HPV that affect the human body in different ways. You may best know HPV as the virus that causes warts on the skin.
HPV is also a very common sexually transmitted disease (STD). When the virus enters your body, it finds its way into your cells and replicates. The virus then invades other cells, creating an infection.
Not all strains of HPV are harmful, and your immune system may develop antibodies to destroy the virus. However, some strains of HPV are linked to cervical cancer.
The HPV vaccine is a medical treatment that may help your body develop antibodies against the virus, preventing it from taking hold of your cells and replicating, reducing your risk of infection and cancer.
You should get the HPV vaccine before you're sexually active. Most people receive the HPV vaccine between ages 11 and 12, but the vaccine is safe anytime between ages 9 and 26.
Nova Women’s Health is a state-of-the-art practice that provides adolescent gynecology services. If your child’s pediatrician hasn’t given your teen their HPV vaccine or you want to wait, the experts at Nova Women’s Health can talk to you about the medication.
You can still get the HPV vaccine if you’re older than 26. The vaccine is approved for use up to age 45.
Your provider at Nova Women’s Health can talk to you about the vaccine and how it might protect your health if you’re at risk of contracting an HPV infection.
The HPV vaccine is given as a series of injections based on the age you get the vaccine. When given between ages 9-14, you only need two injections, with the second injection given within 6-12 months of the first.
People between ages 15-26 need three injections, where the second injection is given one to two months after the first and the last injection six months after the first.
The HPV vaccine is safe for most people and may protect you from serious health complications. Call Nova Women’s Health or book an appointment online to learn more about the HPV vaccine.