Vaccines can protect you against some of the most common types of HPV. These vaccines are given in three shots. It is important to get all three doses to get the best protection. The vaccines are most effective when given before your first sexual contact when you could be exposed to HPV.
Girls and Women
Two vaccines (Cervarix and Gardasil) are available to protect females against the types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers. One of these vaccines (Gardasil) also protects against most genital warts. Both vaccines are recommended for 11 and 12-year-old girls, and for females 13 through 26 years of age. There are at least 25 sexually transmitted diseases which are passed person to person through sexual activity. Some of these include:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Hepatitis
- Herpes
- Syphilis
- HPV
When meeting with your physician, you can relate your concerns and he can order the correct tests and then prescribe medications, if necessary.