Human papillomavirus (HPV) which causes some cancer types (i.e., cervical, vulvar, vaginal, and anal) and genital warts can now be prevented through HPV vaccination. The HPV vaccine is given in three doses over a period of three months.
Health professionals urge early HPV vaccination for girls as early as 9 years old. This development is due to the fact that adolescents start to be sexually active at a younger age even before puberty. The vaccine could also be administered to women up to 45 years old except for expectant mothers since it poses risks to the unborn.
The vaccines offered in the markets does not treat HPV, rather it helps in the prevention of acquiring these types of viruses. A regular pap smear screening by an OB-GYN is still recommended for women even after vaccination since the HPV vaccine alone does not protect against all types of HPV.