HPV Vaccine

HPV Vaccination (Singapore)

HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) is a virus that very commonly infects humans. In fact, in one study, it is estimated that up to 70% of people will get infected with HPV sometime in their lives.

HPV is very contagious and is spread by direct contact with infected skin or mucosa. Since HPV preferentially infects the penis, vagina, anus, throat and pubic region it is most commonly spread via sexual contact.

There are more than 100 different strains of HPV. Out of this 100 strains, at least 13 are considered high risk of causing cancer.

Caring Since 2005

What are the Cancers & Warts Causing HPV Strains?

Out of this 100 strains, at least 13 are considered high risk of causing cancer.

In fact, type 16 and type 18 together already account for 70% of cervical cancers.

Aside from causing cancer of the cervix, HPV also increases the risk of cancer in the vulva, penis, anus and throat.

The other HPV strains that do not cause cancer are called the low-risk types.

These strains instead cause warts. Warts (especially at the genital area) are unsightly flesh-coloured or dark lumps on the skin that are often described as looking like a cauliflower.

Do HPV Infections Always Developed Symptoms?

Not everyone who is infected with HPV will develop cancer or warts.

In fact, the vast majority of people who get infected with HPV do not develop any symptoms at all.

They then unknowingly transmit it to someone else. This is one of the major reasons HPV is so prevalent in the world.

Are There Any Cure For HPV Infections?

There is no cure for HPV. There are no medicines or creams that have been developed to kill the HPV virus.

We have to rely on the body’s own immune system to eradicate the virus.

Fortunately, this happens most of the time. One study estimated that up to 80% of people who are infected with HPV are able to spontaneously eradicate the virus from their bodies within 2 years.

However, for the people who are unable to do that, they may develop cancer or genital warts.

Are There Any HPV Testing or Screening?

There are currently medical tests available for us to screen for cancers and pre-cancer lesions of the cervix, throat and anus related to HPV.

In this way, Doctors can identify patients who are likely to develop cancer and treat them before they actually have cancer.

There are also medical tests available to look for certain high-risk strains of HPV in the cervix, anus and throat.

Patients who have such high-risk strain such as Type 16 and Type 18 may require more aggressive observation and follow up or even treatment so as to prevent them from developing cancer.

HPV Vaccination

One of the most effective ways of protecting oneself from getting infected with HPV in the first place is to get a HPV vaccine.

The latest HPV vaccine directly protects against 9 strains of HPV (Gardasil 9) but also cross protects against many other strains.

Since the majority of HPV related cancers are caused by only a few strains, the HPV vaccine reduces the risk of developing HPV related cancer by more than 90%.

Who is Suitable for HPV Vaccination?

The vaccine is indicated for use in both men and women.

Boys and girls as young as 9 years of age can receive the vaccine.

In the latest report by the US FDA, men and women up to the age of 45 years old can benefit from the HPV vaccine.

The vaccine is most often given as a course of 3 injections over 6 months.

In younger patients, they sometimes only require 2 injections.

The HPV vaccine should be a routine part of every person’s holistic healthcare. Please speak to your Doctor about it today, or visit any of our clinics.

You can email us at hello@dtapclinic.com.sg or call any of our clinics during operating hours.

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