How to Immunize Against HPV

By eHow Health Editor

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The human papilloma virus (HPV), with over one hundred different strains, is one of the most widely spread sexually transmitted infections. Of those 100 strains, about 30 of them can only be spread through sexual contact. A few strains may lead to cervical cancer or cause genital warts. You can now immunize yourself against four of the more "high risk" strains of the virus.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

HPV immunizations
Doctor or gynecologist

Immunize Against HPV

Step1

Speak with your doctor, gynecologist or health care professional about being immunized against HPV. The HPV vaccine can be administered at many clinics and pharmacies along with your other immunizations, so you may not need to visit a doctor.

Step2

Find time to return to the same site to be immunized over a six month period. The current vaccine, Gardasil, is administered in three shots over those six months, with the second shot being given two months after the first. If you will not be able to have all three shots, you may want to postpone your immunizations.

Step3

Be sure to follow up with the entire immunization treatment of three shots. If you miss a shot, speak with your doctor or the person who immunized you about how you should proceed.

Step4

Expect some side effects. As with all immunizations, swelling and redness may occur at the injection site. Fever, nausea and dizziness can also occur.

Step5

The HPV vaccine does not immunize you against all strains of HPV. Instead, it helps prevent four "high risk" strains, of which two can cause cervical cancer and two can cause genital warts.

Step6

Visit the Gardasil website for more information on the first approved HPV vaccination (see Resources below). The website provides general information and a basic understanding of the vaccine. You will be more informed when speaking with your doctor.

Tips & Warnings

The HPV vaccine is recommended for young women aged 9 to 18 who have not been exposed to HPV in the past. Women 18 to 22 are most at risk for HPV and should speak with their doctor about possible immunization.
Since the HPV vaccine does not immunize you against all strains of HPV, you should still practice safe sex and remain aware of the risks associated with the virus.
HPV can remain dormant in your system, meaning that you could still be infected even if you have no more symptoms.