HPV Treatments: A Guide and Key Facts to Consider
In the fight against Human Papillomavirus (HPV), understanding the difference between prevention and treatment is crucial.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all children aged 11-12 receive the HPV vaccine to prevent this infection. This vaccine is highly effective in the long term, significantly reducing the risks of HPV infections and related precancerous lesions for many years after vaccination. The vaccines, including Gardasil 9 for females between 9-45 years of age, have not been associated with serious long-term adverse effects, and their protective effect is expected to be long-lasting [1][5].
However, vaccines do not treat existing HPV infections or lesions and do not reverse cancers or ongoing HPV-related disease. For those diagnosed with HPV-related lesions or cancers, treatments can vary in outcome and potential side effects. Imiquimod, a prescription cream, is one treatment option for genital warts, with individuals typically applying it once a day, three times a week for up to 16 weeks. Condylox, another prescription solution, may also be prescribed for treating genital warts [2].
It is essential for anyone who suspects they may have HPV to consult with a doctor. Doctors can advise individuals on whether they need any Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) testing and determine whether treatment is necessary. Regular cervical cancer screening is also crucial for women, as vaccination does not protect against all types of HPV that can cause cancer [1][5].
In males, HPV vaccination protects against genital warts and HPV-related cancers (anal, throat), with similar long-term effectiveness and lack of serious adverse events as seen in females. Male vaccination programs are increasing to reduce HPV transmission and HPV-related disease burden [5].
In summary, the long-term effects of HPV vaccination are strongly positive, reducing infection and cancer risk with minimal adverse effects. Therapeutic treatments for HPV-related disease vary in outcome and potential side effects but remain essential for managing established infections and cancers. Continued screening and monitoring are necessary, especially in females, due to incomplete vaccine coverage for all cancer-causing HPV types [1][3][5].
References: [1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). HPV and Cancer. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/hpv/index.htm [2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Genital warts: Diagnosis and treatment. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/genital-warts/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20371931 [3] National Cancer Institute. (2021). HPV and Cancer. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv/hpv-key-statistics [4] World Health Organization. (2021). Human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/human-papillomavirus-(hpv)-and-cervical-cancer [5] World Health Organization. (2021). HPV vaccines. https://www.who.int/immunization/diseases/HPV/en/
- The HPV vaccine, when administered to children aged 11-12, can prevent HPV infections and related precancerous lesions for many years, with science backing its long-term effectiveness in the fight for overall health-and-wellness and sexual-health.
- Although the HPV vaccine does not treat existing HPV infections or lesions, therapeutic treatments like Imiquimod and Condylox are available to treat genital warts, an HPV-related disease, emphasizing the importance of both prevention and treatment in the realm of health-and-wellness and sexual-health.
- Despite the HPV vaccine's effectiveness in reducing the risk of HPV-related cancers, regular screening is crucial, especially for females to monitor any potential HPV infections and maintain optimal health-and-wellness and sexual-health.
