Despite being the most common sexually transmitted disease, the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) which has many variants, usually clears up on its own and most infections do not lead to cancer. However, this does not mean you should not protect yourself against HPV.
Protecting yourself against HPV would also go a long way in protecting your loved ones from the same infection.
How Do I know If I Have HPV?
HPV is a viral infection that is primarily passed between people who have sexual contact, and it can affect your genitals, mouth or throat. It is not unusual for sexually active women and men to be infected at some point in their lives.
The most telling sign of HPV is the appearance of genital warts. The exact appearance of these warts would depend on the kind of HPV you have contracted.
- Genital warts appear as small bumps on the vulva (for women) and on the penis and scrotum, or around the anus (for men). Genital warts are rarely painful, although they may itch or feel tender
- Besides genital warts, you may find lesions on your tongue, tonsils, soft palate, or within the back of your throat and nose.
Very often, people suffering from HPV won't know until it causes more serious health problems, usually when their immune system is at a low point. At times, people find out that they have HPV when they check for genital warts.
The surest way to find out if you have HPV is to regularly screen for it – HPV tests should be done at least once every 5 years.
What Are The Complications Of HPV?
Most HPV infections do not lead to cancer, but some types can. Cancer of the cervix, anus, penis, vagina, vulva and back of the throat have all been linked to HPV infection.
Nearly all cases of cervical cancers are caused by HPV infections, but it may only develop after 20 or more years following the infection. Cervical cancer in the early stage does not present any symptoms, making it absolutely essential for women to undergo regular cervical cancer screening.
Current guidelines recommend that women between the ages 21 to 29 undergo a PAP smear test every three years. Women aged 30 to 65 can continue to get tested every five years. Women above the age of 65 can stop testing if they have gotten three PAP smear tests with no abnormal results.
What Types Of Vaccine Do We Offer?
Speedoc administers Gardasil 9. Gardasil 9 protects against cancers by 9 types of HPV (6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58). If you have been infected with one type of HPV, Gardasil 9 can protect you from certain cancers caused by other types of HPV.
Gardasil 9 protects individuals between 9 and 45 years of age against the following cancers:
In women:
- Cervical cancer
- Vaginal cancer
- Vulvar cancer
In men & women:
- Anal cancer
- Certain head and neck cancers (eg. throat and back of mouth cancers)
- Genital warts
To be considered fully vaccinated, you will need to undergo the complete 3-dose schedule. For persons between ages 15 and 45, the second dose is two months after the first dose, and the third dose is seven months after the second dose.
What Are The Common Side Effects Of The Vaccine?
Before opting for the HPV vaccination, our Speedoc doctor will assess your medical history and wellbeing. Do note that very rarely, there are some side effects that may occur after the vaccination which will be explained by our doctors.
How Much Does The HPV Vaccine Cost?
The vaccine fees are as follows:
- Gardasil 9 (Single dose) - RM650
- Gardasil 9 (Complete course of 3 doses) - RM1600
Do note that a House Call Doctor to administer your vaccination would cost from RM200 onwards.
Book An Appointment With Speedoc
Save yourself the hassle of travelling to the clinic and save up to RM490 if you get all 3 shots with Speedoc! You can easily consult a house call doctor within the privacy of your home.
Call us at +60 11 4166 1178 or email us at contact.my@speedoc.com to learn more about the HPV vaccination and how you can get extra protection today.
