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Protecting against HPV and the diseases it causes
Learning about human papillomavirus (HPV) and the diseases it can cause is key, but nothing replaces smart health care decisions.
PAP TESTS SAVE WOMEN’S LIVES
Having regular Pap tests is one of the best ways to help protect against cervical cancer in the future. A Pap test doesn’t diagnose HPV. But it can look for abnormal cells (that are caused by HPV) in the lining of the cervix before the cells become precancersPrecancersPrecancers are highly abnormal cervical cells that have a high likelihood of becoming cervical cancer.
See Full Glossary or cancer. All HPV types that affect the genital area can cause abnormal Pap tests. To determine if an abnormal Pap test is caused by HPV, your doctor can order an HPV test.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, a woman's first Pap test should be at age 21. Be sure to follow your health care professional's recommendation for cervical cancer screenings.
For girls who are not old enough for a Pap test, regular wellness visits are a good way to start lifelong, healthy habits.
While there is no way to screen men for HPV, there is a way for both men and women to help protect themselves from certain diseases caused by HPV.
GARDASIL HELPS GUARD
9 TO 26-YEAR-OLD MALES AND FEMALES AGAINST CERTAIN DISEASES
Vaccination with GARDASIL is another choice worth making. GARDASIL is the only HPV vaccine that helps protect against 4 types of HPV. In girls and young women ages 9 to 26, GARDASIL helps protect against 2 types of HPV that cause about 75% of cervical cancer cases, and 2 more types that cause 90% of genital warts cases. In boys and young men ages 9 to 26, GARDASIL helps protect against 90% of genital warts cases.
GARDASIL also helps protect girls and young women ages 9 to 26 against 70% of vaginal cancer cases and up to 50% of vulvar cancer cases.
A doctor or health care professional can tell you more about GARDASIL.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends routine vaccination with GARDASIL for girls ages 11 to 12, and for young women ages 13 through 26 who have not already been vaccinated. The CDC states that GARDASIL can be given to boys and young men ages 9 through 26, if you and the doctor decide it’s right for your son.
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INFORMATION ABOUT GARDASILGARDASIL is the only human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine that helps protect against 4 types of HPV. In girls and young women ages 9 to 26, GARDASIL helps protect against 2 types of HPV that cause about 75% of cervical cancer cases, and 2 more types that cause 90% of genital warts cases. In boys and young men ages 9 to 26, GARDASIL helps protect against 90% of genital warts cases. GARDASIL also helps protect girls and young women ages 9 to 26 against 70% of vaginal cancer cases and up to 50% of vulvar cancer cases. GARDASIL may not fully protect everyone, nor will it protect against diseases caused by other HPV types or against diseases not caused by HPV. GARDASIL does not prevent all types of cervical cancer, so it’s important for women to continue routine cervical cancer screenings. GARDASIL does not treat cancer or genital warts. GARDASIL is given as 3 injections over 6 months. |
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATIONAnyone who is allergic to the ingredients of GARDASIL, including those severely allergic to yeast, should not receive the vaccine. GARDASIL is not for women who are pregnant. The side effects include pain, swelling, itching, bruising, and redness at the injection site, headache, fever, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, and fainting. Fainting can happen after getting GARDASIL. Sometimes people who faint can fall and hurt themselves. For this reason, your health care professional may ask you to sit or lie down for 15 minutes after you get GARDASIL. Some people who faint might shake or become stiff. This may require evaluation or treatment by your health care professional. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Read the Patient Product Information or the Prescribing Information for GARDASIL. |
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