Three myths and three truths about the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination

Nearly 13 million Americans, including teens and adults, become infected with Human Papillomavirus (HPV) each year. Unvaccinated individuals who are sexually active will more likely get HPV at some point in their life. Although most HPV infections go away on their own, some don't and may cause cancer.

Let's look at three truths and three myths about the HPV vaccination.

Myth 1: The HPV vaccination is promoting sexual activity at a young age.

Children ages 11 and 12 should receive the vaccination. Up to age 26, you can still get vaccinated and be protected against cancers caused by HPV infections. You can get the vaccine up to age 45. However, it may not be as effective if you have already been exposed to HPV.

When vaccinating a young person, the point is not to promote sexual activity. Like other vaccinations, the HPV vaccination is given as part of the course of regular immunizations. It protects a child from contracting a serious illness in the future.

Truth 1: HPV is highly contagious and can cause cancer.

HPV is highly contagious; it spreads primarily through skin-to-skin contact. So, it’s extremely important for you to get vaccinated before becoming sexually active. HPV can be passed through one sexual encounter and may not show symptoms, so you may not realize you have it. Most likely, you'd learn you have it following a diagnosis of HPV-related cancer or genital warts.

HPV can cause the following types of cancer:

• Cervical
• Vaginal
• Vulvar
• Anal
• Penile
• Oropharyngeal (throat)

Myth 2: The HPV vaccination is unnecessary and dangerous.

The fact is the HPV vaccination received strict safety testing through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before its approval in 2006. Since that time, with careful monitoring and research, the vaccination continues to prove it’s safe.

There are around 200 strains of HPV, and 13 of those can cause cancer, so the vaccination is necessary for both men and women.

Truth 2: The HPV vaccination is effective.

Since 2006, HPV infections and cervical precancers have dropped significantly.

• Infections with HPV types that cause cancer and genital warts in teen girls have dropped 88%.
• Infections with HPV types that cause most HPV cancers in young adult women have dropped 81%.
• In vaccinated women, cervical precancers caused by types of HPV linked to cervical cancer dropped 40%.

Myth 3: There are terrible side effects from the HPV vaccination.

Like with most vaccines you receive, the side effects are mild and go away in a day or two. They could include:

• Nausea
• Muscle or joint pain
• Headache or fatigue
• Fever
• Dizziness or fainting
• Pain, redness and swelling at the injection site

Truth 3: The HPV vaccination doesn't cause infertility or problems with fertility.

Actually, not getting the vaccination could cause fertility problems. If you get cancer caused by HPV and receive treatment, such as a hysterectomy, chemotherapy or radiation you may not be able to have children. Additionally, treating cervical precancer sometimes causes preterm delivery.

Ask your primary care physician about the importance of the HPV vaccination for your child, as well as for yourself.