HPV infections are among the most common sexually transmitted diseases. This disease, which is not only specific to women and even more common in men, causes serious health problems when left untreated.

It is seen as the main cause of cervical cancer, especially in women. HPV is an infection that can be easily detected with a simple test and can be controlled with vaccination.

What is HPV?

Genital warts can occur in both men and women as a result of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection. HPV, which are partially hard masses that look like cauliflower, can sometimes be as big as a pinhead in a single area, while sometimes they can reach larger sizes.

This virus, which causes the formation of warty masses, can lead to recurrent infections.

It is known that there are about 40 different types of HPV infections that can cause cancers of the cervix, genital lips, vagina and around the anus, especially in women. Although HPV can go away on its own thanks to the immune system, there is also a risk of HPV turning into cancer.

Therefore, an HPV screening test should be performed in order to take precautions against this virus, which can be easily transmitted through contact, and to detect possible precursor conditions in advance.

What is the HPV Screening Test?

It is a specialized cervical screening test for women to examine the cervix and check for precancerous conditions. There are two groups of this test to find out if the HPV virus is present in the female genitals and cervix (cervix). The first group of tests are called co-tests and are performed together with the smear test.

The most important advantage of this group of tests is to detect the presence of the HPV virus and to see the cellular changes that can cause cervical cancer. The tests in the second group are preferred only for the detection of the HPV virus.

What is the HPV vaccine?

It is a medical method used to control HPV infection, which is among the DNA viruses that usually do not show symptoms, and to minimize the risk of possible cancer. The HPV vaccine is a critical treatment method because 99 percent of cervical cancers are caused by this virus.

If vaccinated, primary protection is provided. At this point, different vaccines have been developed for different HPV types. A quadrivalent vaccine is used for HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58 and a 2-pack vaccine is used for HPV types 16, 18.

How is the HPV vaccine given?

HPV vaccine for boys and girls;

• Two doses between 9 and 14 years of age,
• Between 14 and 40 years of age, it is administered in three doses.
• If the vaccine age range is 9 to 14 years, the first vaccination is given on a set date and the second vaccination is given 6 months after the first injection. If the vaccine age range is 14 to 40, the first vaccine is given on a set date, the second vaccine is given 2 months after the first injection and the third dose is given 6 months after the first injection. Age ranges and doses vary as studies are conducted.