Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world. It is believed that almost everyone who is sexually active will be infected with HPV at some point in their lives if they are not vaccinated against it.
While most HPV infections resolve on their own, some persist and can lead to various symptoms and complications, including genital warts and cancers. We share more about HPV and why getting the HPV vaccine is so important to safeguard the health of both women and men in Singapore.
How is HPV spread?
HPV is a sexually transmitted infection and is highly contagious, spread by vaginal, anal or oral sex. It can also be transmitted by sharing contaminated sex toys.
There are more than 150 HPV strains, some which are high-risk (potential to lead to cancer), and some which are low-risk (non-cancerous). It is possible to be infected with more than one strain of HPV at the same time.
What are the symptoms and complications of HPV?
HPV usually does not cause any symptoms, but when symptoms do occur, they vary depending on the type of HPV and the area of the body affected. Some common symptoms include genital, plantar and common warts. They may appear days or years after the infection.
Over time, a high-risk HPV infection that does not get cleared by the body can change normal cells in the body into abnormal cells, causing cancer. Some common cancers from HPV infections include cervical, anal, penile, vaginal, vulvar, and oropharyngeal cancers.
HPV and cervical cancer
Over 200 women in Singapore are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year. The main cause? HPV. It usually takes a long time for HPV to develop into cervical cancer, and symptoms are usually absent until it has advanced into the late stages. Symptoms of cervical cancer to note include irregular or abnormal vaginal bleeding, a change in vaginal discharge with a strong odour and pelvic pain.
It is thus very important for women to go for a regular pap smear test or a HPV test to rule out any chances of cervical cancer or potentially developing cervical cancer.
Why getting vaccinated against HPV is so important
HPV itself cannot be cured; however, the symptoms it causes can be managed. This makes vaccination very important as the HPV vaccine can protect individuals from getting HPV and HPV-related cancer. HPV vaccines have shown to offer individuals long-term effectiveness, potentially safeguarding quality of life and preventing HPV-related cancer in the years ahead.
Types of HPV vaccines
There are 3 types of HPV vaccines: HPV2, HPV 4 and HPV9.
HPV2 provides protection for the HPV 16 and 18 HPV strain, which causes 70% of all cervical cancers. HPV4 protects against 4 of the HPV strains, and the HPV9 vaccine protects against 9 HPV strains that also contribute to cancers and genital warts. HPV4 and HPV9 is recommended for both females and males.
At Parkway Shenton clinics in Singapore, we provide the HPV2 and HPV9 vaccines. HPV4 is no longer available in Singapore.
When to get the HPV vaccine
In Singapore, all females are recommended to get HPV-vaccinated from 9 to 26 years of age under the Singapore National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS) and National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS).
Vaccination is recommended from such a young age as vaccinating before taking part in sexual activity provides the best chance for individuals to develop immunity to the virus.
While HPV vaccination is not nationally recommended for males, it is worth having a discussion with a doctor to determine if taking the HPV vaccination will be beneficial for you or your male loved ones.
Why is the HPV vaccine usually recommended for people only until age 26?
The HPV vaccine is usually recommended to individuals until age 26, and not older adults because it is likely that most adults above 26 would already have some exposure to HPV. Beyond this age, it would be recommended to get screened against HPV-causing cancers instead of getting vaccinated against HPV.
Still, it is encouraged that individuals above 26 see a doctor to discuss if there is any added benefit of receiving the HPV vaccine.
Safeguard your future
From preventing HPV-related cancers to reducing the incidence of HPV-related symptoms, the benefits of vaccination extend far and wide. By prioritising HPV vaccination, individuals can take proactive steps towards a healthier, safer future.
Coupled with vaccination, it’s just as important to also screen for cervical cancer or other cancer types related to HPV such as anal, penile, vaginal, vulvar, and oropharyngeal cancers as cancer is usually simpler to treat while it is in its early stages.
Start enhancing your protection against HPV and HPV-related cancers today by scheduling your vaccination or health screening with our Parkway Shenton doctors. You may also visit our dedicated vaccination clinic at Esplanade MRT to check the availability of your preferred vaccine.
