Gynecologist Idashkina explained why women 40+ need to be vaccinated against HPV

SM-Clinic obstetrician-gynecologist Ekaterina Idashkina told Lady Mail.ruwhy the human papillomavirus is dangerous, and why adult women not only can, but also need to be vaccinated against it.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a widespread infection, the target organs of which are the mucous membranes of the oral cavity and genitals, as well as damaged areas of the skin.

HPV combines more than 170 types of viruses, but the greatest danger is represented by those strains that have clinical manifestations and are capable of causing neoplastic processes in the human body: cervical cancer, anal canal cancer, penile cancer and cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx.

Infection with these dangerous strains occurs mainly through sexual contact, and we should not forget about the contact and household route of transmission of the virus through microtraumas on the skin.

Prevention of HPV infection consists of following simple safety measures – the use of barrier methods of contraception for any type of sexual intercourse, as well as mandatory examination when changing sexual partners. Plus, the most effective way to prevent HPV is vaccination.

But remember that vaccination against HPV does not replace safety measures to prevent sexual transmission of the virus. The combination of the above preventive measures is considered the most effective.

As a rule, the HPV vaccine is given to girls over nine years of age, before they become sexually active. However, according to WHO recommendations, men should also be vaccinated to prevent circulation of the virus.

It was previously believed that vaccination was effective up to 27 years of age, but now the situation has changed, and vaccination of adults (both women and men) over 27 years of age (up to 45-50 years of age) is also advisable, regardless of whether they are sexually active and whether there is a fact of HPV infection.

Vaccination is also advisable:

• for people with immunodeficiency conditions, including HIV infection, whose immune system is not capable of independently fighting viruses;
• when changing sexual partner;
• as anti-relapse therapy in patients operated on for precancerous and oncological HPV-associated diseases.

Unfortunately, national programs do not include general routine HPV vaccination for adults; it is only advisory.

However, if there is an opportunity and desire, vaccination can be carried out at any age. This reduces the risk of developing precancerous and oncological diseases associated with HPV, and the risk of associated death.