HPV Vaccine

WHAT IS HPV?

HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) is a family of viruses that cause infection in humans. HPV can be transmitted through sexual contact and is usually passed from an infected person to a healthy person who comes into contact with the skin or mucous membranes. There are many different types of HPV, some of which can cause sexually transmitted diseases and some of which can cause warts.

HPV causes mostly silent infection; it is asymptomatic and goes unnoticed by the person. However, in some cases, especially in people with weakened immune systems, the virus can cause warts or some types of cancer. It can increase the risk of cancer in areas such as the cervix, penis, anus, mouth and throat.

How many types of HPV are there?

There are more than 200 types of HPV. These types are classified as low-risk and high-risk. Low-risk types can usually cause warts, while high-risk types can cause sexually transmitted diseases and lead to serious health problems such as cervical cancer. Prevention and regular screening play an important role in preventing HPV-related health problems.

What are the high-risk HPV types?

High-risk HPV types are those that can usually cause cancer. Among these, HPV 16 and HPV 18 are the most common. High-risk HPV types can include: 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59 and 68.

These strains have been particularly associated with cervical cancer, but can also lead to other sexually transmitted diseases. It is possible to reduce the risk of such HPV infections through preventive measures such as routine screening and vaccination.

How can HPV infections be prevented?

Prevention methods against HPV include vaccination, condom use during sexual intercourse, regular screening tests and reducing the number of sexual partners. The HPV vaccine can provide effective protection, especially when taken before sexual activity begins at a young age.

How can HPV be prevented?

HPV Vaccine: The HPV vaccine protects against common strains of the virus. The vaccine is most effective when given before sexual activity.

Protected Sexual Intercourse: Condom use can reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections, but it does not provide complete protection. Because skin contact plays a role in the transmission of HPV.

Routine Checkups and Screening: Cervical cancer screenings for women help detect cellular changes at an early stage.

Education and Awareness: Knowledge about HPV transmission patterns and risk factors can help prevent infection.

Does an HPV infection go away on its own?

Most HPV infections go away on their own and are cleared by the immune system. However, this rate can vary depending on a person's immune system strength, age, general health and the type of HPV. Usually, HPV infections make up the majority of cases that clear on their own.

In most cases, HPV infections clear up within a few months. However, sometimes infections can last longer. HPV infections can be more resistant, especially in people with a weak immune system.

A specific self-passage rate for HPV infections has not been clearly established because it depends on many factors. Therefore, protection against HPV and regular medical check-ups ensure that the immune defense system is strengthened and HPV is eradicated from the body.

What is a co-test?

A co-test or smear test is a method used to screen for cervical cancer. This test is done to detect cell changes and abnormalities in the cervix. A smear test involves examining a sample of cells from the cervix under a microscope. In addition to the smear test, the CO test also includes HPV (Human Papillomavirus) screening. These tests help detect cervical cancer and related health problems early.

What do HPV-related warts look like?

Warts caused by HPV usually appear on the skin or mucous membranes (membranes within the skin or body cavities). These warts can be of different shapes and sizes.

Genital Warts:

They can look small and flesh-like.

They can be pink, flesh-colored or gray.

They often have a rough or flower-like surface.

They can be single or multiple.

They can be seen in and around the genital area, vagina, penis, anus.

Flat Warts:

They can appear on the hands, fingers, soles of the feet, face and other body parts.

They can have a flat and irregular surface.

Their color may be slightly different from the skin color

Plantar Warts

They can appear on the sole of the foot (plantar surface).

The surface may be hard and thick.

Depending on the weight on the sole of the foot, they can be pressed inwards.

Warts due to HPV are usually painless, but sometimes itching or discomfort may occur. Warts are contagious through contact with the virus, so personal hygiene and prevention measures are important.

What is colposcopy?

It is a closer examination of abnormal cells in the cervix, vagina or vulva with a colposcope, a microscopic device. This procedure is usually performed when the results of a smear test or HPV test are abnormal or when certain clinical signs are present.

• Preparation: The patient should lie on the examination table in a normal position for the gynecological examination.
• Speculum Use: An instrument called a speculum is inserted to better see inside the vagina.
• Acetic Acid Application: Acetic acid solution is applied to the cervix. This makes abnormal cells more visible.

Colposcopic Examination A colposcope is a type of microscope with magnification. With a colposcope, it is possible to examine the cervix, vagina or vulva in detail

Biopsy: Small tissue samples can be taken (biopsy) from areas that appear abnormal and stained with astic acid or lugol. These samples are then examined in the pathology laboratory.

Are only abnormal cells stained with acetic acid during colposcopy?

Acetic acid is used during colposcopy to highlight abnormal cells in the cervix or other gynecological areas. Acetic acid is used to increase the difference between normal cells and abnormal cells.

When acetic acid is applied, normal cells usually do not change color, while abnormal cells usually become more distinctly white or pale. This allows the abnormal cells to be better seen and examined.

The use of acetic acid during colposcopy is a widely practiced technique, especially to identify conditions such as cervical cellular changes or lesions. This method is used to screen for cervical cancer or to evaluate other gynecological problems.

Why is lugol used in colposcopy?

Lugol's solution stains cells that are not normally stained by iodine uptake in a dark brown color. This helps to highlight normal cells, especially squamous epithelial cells. The use of this solution can contribute to the identification and examination of abnormal cells.

The use of Lugol's solution during colposcopy, especially during cervical screening and evaluation processes, can help the physician to make an accurate assessment by allowing them to better see abnormal cells.

What happens if ASCUS is diagnosed after a smear?

ASCUS (Atypical Squamous Cells) is a pathologic term derived from a smear test result. A diagnosis of ASCUS indicates that there are no obvious PATHOLOGICAL CHANGES in the squamous cells, but there are mild abnormalities. The steps to be taken in this case may be the following:

• HPV Test:
• Colposcopy:
• Repeat Smear Screening:
• Biopsy

ASCUS can also be detected in smears after simple infections and can usually heal spontaneously. Therefore, in cases with negative HPV test, it is appropriate to follow up by repeating the smear after 2-4 months.

Is there a special medicine for HPV infection to go away on its own?

There is no medicine that can completely cure HPV. However, many HPV infections can go away on their own and be cleared by the body's immune system.

The vaccine is an effective way to protect against certain types of HPV, especially when given at a young age.

Can the HPV vaccine be given to men?

The HPV vaccine can protect not only women, but also men. HPV infections affect both men and women and the vaccine is effective in preventing cervical cancer, other types of STD-related cancers and genital warts.

At what age is the HPV vaccine administered?

The HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine is generally recommended for people between the ages of 9 and 26. This age range includes a period when the vaccine is considered to be most effective and offers the greatest protection when given before sexual activity begins. However, the HPV vaccine can also be administered at later ages.

Health organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Cancer Society recommend that the vaccine be routinely given to children aged 11 or 12. The vaccine usually consists of two or three doses, and doses are usually given at 0-2-6 months. It is usually administered at months 0-2-6.

If the 2nd or 3rd dose of the HPV vaccine is delayed, should I start the vaccination schedule all over again?

There is no need to start the vaccination schedule from the beginning. The 2nd and 3rd dose can be

completed within the first 1 year.

How many types of HPV vaccine are there?

There are 2 different HPV vaccines, 4 and 9.

What is the difference between the 4-valent and 9-valent HPV vaccine?

4-Pack Vaccine (Gardasil): Protects against HPV 6, 11, 16 and 18 strains. HPV 6 and 11 are low-risk strains that can cause genital warts, while HPV 16 and 18 are high-risk strains that can cause serious health problems such as cervical cancer.

- Vaccine 9 (Gardasil 9): Provides protection against HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58. In addition to the 4-valent vaccine, this vaccine protects against five additional HPV types.

Vaccine 4. protects against four HPV types, Vaccine 9 protects against nine HPV types and therefore has a broader coverage.

Can people with a positive HPV infection get the HPV vaccine?

Yes, people who are positive for HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection can get the HPV vaccine in certain circumstances because the vaccine can protect against other types of HPV that the person is not yet infected with.

The importance of HPV TYPES 16 and 18?

HPV Types 16 and 18 are found in 70% of cervical cancers!!!!!

Can boys be vaccinated against HPV?

All types of HPV infect both men and women. Boys should also be vaccinated to protect them from HPV infection.

What should be done if HPV is positive but there is no wart?

After entering the body, HPV virus can remain incubated for many years without showing any symptoms. Although genital warts form within 3-4 months after entering the body, some patients do not show any lesions. For this reason, your HPV test will be positive even if you do not have warts on your genital area because the virus is in your body.

HPV negative but have warts?

Since warts caused by the HPV virus occur mostly in and around the genital area, they should not be confused with dermatologic warts in other parts of the body. If wart lesions appear in and around the genital area, an HPV screening test should definitely be performed. However, HPV tests may be negative despite the presence of genital warts. The reason for this is that not all screening tests on the market have the same scope.

Some of the HPV virus test kits are made to detect only certain types of the virus. The most commonly used virus kit usually detects the Type-16 and Type-18 virus or the 11 and 6 virus types. However, if the type of HPV virus in your body is different from what the test kit scans for, the result will be negative. It is therefore very important to have a comprehensive HPV Genotype Test.

Can HPV be transmitted without a wart?

One of the most obvious indicators that the HPV virus is in the body is the cauliflower-looking warts that appear in the genital area. Warts may appear a few months after the HPV virus enters the body or may not show any symptoms for many years. Therefore, the HPV virus is contagious even without warts.

Can HPV be treated at home?

Medical treatment methods are used for genital warts, also known as Condyloma Acuminata, caused by the HPV virus.

Any method you do on your own at home will not eliminate the HPV virus and the lesions it causes. For this, you should first get support from a health institution.

Which doctor should I see for HPV?

HPV virus and the warts it causes are recognized as one of the sexually transmitted diseases. HPV warts usually occur in and around the genital area. For warts that occur in other parts of the body, the dermatology department is visited. However, for warts and disorders caused by the HPV virus, women should consult a specialist gynecologist and men should consult a urology department.

How long does HPV virus turn into cancer?

Cancer does not develop immediately after HPV infection. The duration varies according to the immunity of the person. Not all HPV types cause cancer. Infection with carcinogenic strains takes between 5-15 years.

How many years does the HPV virus live in the body?

People with HPV-16 and HPV-18 shed the virus more slowly than patients with other virus types. The 45% of HPV-16 and HPV-18 virus carriers usually get rid of the virus within a year.

Which vitamins are good for removing the HPV virus from the body?

Including foods rich in zinc, vitamin C and vitamin D in our diets can help strengthen our immune system and protect us against HPV. Regular use of supplements of these vitamins and minerals will also be beneficial for your immunity.

Is there a pill for HPV?

There is no direct drug treatment for HPV, it is not possible to kill or destroy HPV with a drug. The only way to treat HPV, that is, to remove it from the body, is to strengthen the immune system and activate it against HPV.

Does razor use cause warts in HPV?

With a razor blade, abrasions occur on the skin that we can or cannot see. With the bleeding of the wart, the virus enters and multiplies through these abrasions. In the first transmission with the virus, the virus is usually transmitted by sexual contact through abrasions on the skin.

Does HPV pass without medication?

Warts caused by HPV usually do not go away on their own. Therefore, they must be treated.

Does itching occur in HPV?

Warts caused by HPV are usually uncomfortable. They usually cause complaints such as pain, itching or redness.

Is HPV and fungus the same thing?

Human Papilloma Virus is considered one of the sexually transmitted diseases. There is no direct relationship between HPV and vaginal yeast. However, both are vaginal infections.

Does HPV virus affect menstruation?

HPV virus does not cause menstrual irregularities. However, it may cause intermittent bleeding due to genital warts in the vagina or cervix.

Which antibiotic should be used for HPV?

HPV is a virus. Antibiotics have no effect in the treatment of infections caused by viruses. Antibiotics are also not effective in the treatment of infections or warts caused by the HPV virus.

Does HPV pass through soap?

HPV infection can remain silent for years. Therefore, it may not be possible to know when or from whom the disease is transmitted. There is no evidence that HPV can be transmitted through toilet seats, door handles, towels, soap, swimming pools or bathtubs.