HPV infection considered to be self-limited, however, the possibility of persistent infection is greater in women aged 30 years and over.
“This viral infection does not have specific anti-viral treatment, it can heal itself with the help of the body’s immunity,” said the obstetrics and gynecology doctor from the Indonesian Obstetrics and Gynecology Association, dr. Andry, Sp. OG, FMIGS, FEGRF.
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.
The initial infection with HPV can be asymptomatic, therefore Andry considers prevention to be very important, one of which is by vaccinating against HPV infection.
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Vaccination or administration of antigens into an individual’s body will induce the formation of antibodies or immunity against natural infection from HPV. Vaccination can prevent infection with the causative HPV cancer develop into cervical cancer invasive.
The Indonesian Pediatricians Association (IDAI) and the Association of Indonesian Internal Medicine Specialists (PAPDI) recommend the dosage HPV vaccination in girls aged nine to 14 years two doses, while in women aged over 18 years three doses are given.
The HPV vaccine is generally well received by the 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 the HPV vaccination provides long-term protection and lasts a long time,” he said.
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 obstetric specialist and midwifery as well as carry out inspections female organs first.
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 vaccination against HPV,” he said.
