HPV vaccine
Updated: 03.08.2023
Approved by: General Practitioner, Alice Pan
The HPV vaccine protects against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a group of viruses, where some types cause warts and other types can cause cancer of the oral cavity, pharynx, as well as female and male genitals. HPV is the only known cause of cervical cancer, thus it is recommended that all women and men get the HPV vaccine.
HPV infection
HPV (human papillomavirus) is a group of viruses that, among other things, are sexually transmitted and are a very common infection in women. Fortunately, the infection usually goes away on its own. Most have no symptoms and in nine out of ten, the infection goes away on its own within 6-24 months.
– Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection we have. Of all sexually active people, over 70 per cent get this virus, so it is more the rule than the exception to get infected, says doctor Daniel Sørli.
There are around 200 different HPV viruses, and they all spread through direct contact. About 40 of these are transmitted through sexual contact. HPV is the only known cause of cervical cancer, with types 16 and 18 causing 70% of these. Some types of HPV cause benign genital warts. The virus can be present without being active for several decades before it becomes active and causes infection, so you can be a carrier of this virus for a long time without even being aware of it.
Symptoms of HPV infection
- genital warts
- changed discharge with brown-pink colour, changed odour
- minor bleeding between two menstrual periods
- bleeding / brownish discharge after intercourse and physical activity
- bleeding after menopause
- pain/discomfort from the abdomen or lower back
Who should get vaccinated against HPV?
Vaccination against HPV is recommended for all young women and men. Vaccination of men is just as important as that of women, as an HPV infection in men can also cause cancer of the penis, rectum, oral cavity, and throat.
There is no upper age limit for taking the HPV vaccine. You should not be vaccinated if you are pregnant, have an allergy to the vaccine or the ingredients or have an acute infectious disease with a fever.
