HPV vaccine

HPV is a disease transmitted by unprotected sexual contact that infects men and women of sexually active age. Even without penetration, only with closer contact, the virus can pass from one person to another.

The biggest danger of human papillomavirus infection is that it acts silently in the body. In most cases there are no symptoms, meaning many people only discover the existence of HPV when it is too late. The virus can remain in the body for a long time without manifesting, although it can be transmitted.

When it kicks in, it causes itching, discharge, or pain during intercourse. In addition, HPV can cause warts or white spots on the genital area, signs that indicate that the disease is at an advanced stage.

There is no cure for HPV infection yet, but it is possible to control the action of the virus in the body. One of the main reasons is that the disease can potentiate the possibility of cervical cancer if not given proper care.

Treatment and prevention

Even though it is a disease common to females and males, women are the most contaminated. The explanation for this is the hormonal changes that occur throughout the menstrual cycle and affect the body's immunity. As this does not occur with men, they become more vulnerable to infection.

The best weapons against the disease are early diagnosis and, above all, prevention. To avoid infection with the virus, the main measure is not to dispense with condoms during sex, which does not eliminate the chance of infection as the microorganism may enter the person's body through the skin or mucous membranes.

Having a steady partner or reducing the number of sexual partners, maintaining intimate hygiene and visiting the gynecologist regularly for routine checkups are also important measures.

Another form of prevention is the HPV vaccine, currently considered the most effective treatment to ensure immunity for at least ten years. The application is divided into three doses: an initial application, the second after one month and the last after five months of the second.

Who can get the HPV vaccine?

There are no contraindications or side effects, so women between 9 and 26 years old can get the vaccine. The National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) recently approved the application of the HPV vaccine to men in the same age group.

Since 2006, the application of the vaccine was restricted to women. HPV treatment in men was based solely on the use of prescription medication. Because there are several types of HPV, women and men who have had contact with the virus can receive the dose to protect themselves from new infections.

Despite the positive results in the immunization of the virus, the vaccine is not yet available in public, only in private clinics at the cost of about $ 300 per dose.

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