Initial HPV infection can be asymptomatic, therefore Andry considers prevention to be very important, one of which is by vaccinating against HPV infection.
Jakarta (ANTARA) – Doctor of obstetrics and gynecology from the Indonesian Association of Obstetrics and Gynecology dr. Andry, Sp.OG, FMIGS, FEGRF assesses that HPV infection can heal on its own, however, the possibility of persistent infection is greater in women aged 30 years and over.
“This viral infection has no specific anti-viral treatment, it can heal itself with the help of the body’s immunity,” Andry said in a written statement, Tuesday.
Andry said there is no specific antiviral treatment to treat human papillomavirus or HPV infection. Most HPV infections are asymptomatic, however, there are infections that cause symptoms in the form of warts on the genitals or other parts of the body.
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Initial HPV infection can be asymptomatic, therefore Andry considers prevention to be very important, one of which is by vaccinating against HPV infection. Vaccination or administration of antigens into the individual’s body will induce the formation of antibodies or immunity against natural infection from HPV. Vaccination can prevent cancer-causing HPV infection from developing into invasive cervical cancer. The Indonesian Pediatricians Association (IDAI) and the Association of Indonesian Internal Medicine Specialists (PAPDI) recommend two doses of HPV vaccination for girls aged nine to 14 years, while women over 18 years old are given three doses.
Also read: Early HPV vaccines are important to prevent cervical cancer HPV vaccines are generally well received by recipients and the most common reactions after vaccination are related to the injection site such as pain, swelling and redness which are only temporary. “Antibodies or immunity generated from HPV vaccination provide long-term protection and last a long time,” said Andry, who practices at Pondok Indah Hospital – Puri Indah and Pondok Indah Hospital – Bintaro Jaya. Speaking of benefits, the HPV vaccine can be of maximum benefit to someone who has never had sexual intercourse. However, this does not mean that vaccines are not useful for women who are married or have had sexual intercourse. “This vaccine is also useful because it is not certain that a person has ever been exposed to the HPV virus with a strain (type) that can be prevented by the vaccine,” said Andry. He advises women who are sexually active, before getting the vaccine, to consult with an obstetrician and midwifery specialist and to do an examination of the female organs first.
Also read: Cleaning the vagina with a jet spray increases the potential for cervical cancer. For those who are sexually active and have received the vaccine, Andry advises them to carry out routine screening or early detection because 30 percent of cervical cancer cases are caused by types of HPV that cannot be prevented by the vaccine . Screening is included as a secondary prevention of cervical cancer to detect the presence of abnormal cells, pre-cancerous lesions, and cervical cancer, however, it cannot prevent HPV infection. Andry assessed that screening is important because early-stage cervical cancer is asymptomatic. If any symptoms arise, he added, it usually indicates cervical cancer has reached an advanced stage. If cervical cancer is detected early (pre-cancerous or early-stage lesions), it is possible that it can be treated completely and the cure rate will be very high. “Cervical cancer screening is still required even though they have received the HPV vaccination,” said Andry.
Also read: POGI: Women must be vaccinated against HPV even if they have had sexual intercourse
Also read: Don’t be afraid of early detection of cervical cancer, Pap smears are not painful
