Thursday, February 16, 2012
Thursday, April 17, 2008 Sarah asks

Q: Should I get the HPV vaccination?

I've heard a lot lately about HPV. My doctor told me that it is very contagious and that it leads to nasty bumps on your genitals and even cervical cancer. He suggested that I get Gardasil (the HPV vaccine). If I only practice safe sex, should I still get the vaccine?

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4/28/08 4:37pm

Hi Sarah,

 

My name is Camilo and I am a monitor of the new Q&A section. I am not a healthcare practitioner and thus you should consult your physician before adopting any new advice or knowledge into practice. I think tha the following article will help answer your question -- Merck's HPV Vaccine Protects for Three Years. In it you will find statements that cancer causing strains of HPV have also been found to cause throat cancer in addition to cervical cancer. Thus, if you are sexually active, unless your partner uses a condom during BOTH vaginal intercourse AND oral sex then you are susceptible to contracting HPV. In other words, it is not a bad idea to get the vaccine. Anyhow, it is always better to be safe than sorry. I hope you found my answer helpful, and please continue to post with any other questions you may have

 

CAM

 

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