Women are more prone to certain types of cancer than men. Fortunately, the HPV vaccine can protect women against these conditions. To help you decide whether to see a gynecologist to get one, learn the answers to the most common questions on the subject. 

What You Should Know About HPV Vaccines 

How does the HPV vaccine help? 

The vaccine injects your body with particles that resemble the HPV virus so your immune system learns to recognize and defend against them. If you ever contract the virus later, your antibodies will prevent them from spreading to protect you from warts as well as vaginal, cervical, vulvar, anal, and oropharyngeal cancer.

Who is and isn’t a good candidate for the HPV vaccine?

Gynecologists recommend the vaccine for girls as young as 9 to 12 years old or whenever they become sexually active since the virus can be transferred through oral or penetrative sex.

Women between the ages of 19 and 26 can also benefit from it as well as anyone who already has the virus because the vaccine can still protect against some strains. Pregnant and breastfeeding women can safely receive it too. Only those with allergies to the vaccine’s ingredients should avoid it. 

What is the process for administering the vaccine? 

Girls who receive the vaccine before the age of 15 will need three doses over seven to eight months, with the second occurring one or two months after the first. Those who get it when they’re 15 or older only need two doses about six to 12 months apart. A booster dose isn’t usually necessary, though you may need another one when the effects wear off after 10 years. 

Are there are any side effects? 

The only side effects that gynecologists have reported after administering the vaccine include headaches, dizziness, nausea, fainting, low-grade fever, and pain and redness around the site of the injection. None of these effects last long-term. Adolescent girls should be monitored for about 15 minutes after receiving the vaccine in case they faint. 

If you’re ready to get the HPV vaccine from a reputable gynecologist, contact OBGYN Associates in Fairfield and West Chester, OH. Having provided quality OB-GYN services since 1940, they’re happy to do everything they can to optimize your health as a woman. Besides administering vaccines, this includes providing birth control, pregnancy counseling, and treatments for heavy periods. To learn about the details of their services, check out their website. Call them today at (513) 221-3800 to make an appointment.