SINHALA_TITLE: Does the HPV Vaccine Help Someone With Genital Warts? Let's Find Out!

You may already have Genital Warts . At that time, it is reasonable to have questions like, "Will I get the HPV Vaccine now? Will my partner be protected?" This is an important question for many people, and a somewhat sensitive topic. But don't worry, today we will talk about this clearly and in a way that you can understand.

First, let's understand exactly what HPV is.

HPV is short for Human Papillomavirus . It's not really one virus, but a family of many viruses - more than 150, to be exact! It's a very common virus. Most sexually active people will be infected with HPV at some point in their lives.

Most of the time, HPV infection does not cause any symptoms. This means you may not know you have the virus. In most cases, our Immune System fights off the virus within a year or two, or clears it completely. HPV is mainly spread through skin-to-skin contact, especially during sexual intercourse.

Are all HPV types the same? No, here's the difference!

This is a very important point. Although there are hundreds of types of HPV, they are not all equally dangerous. Let's divide them into two main groups:

1. Low-risk HPV types risk HPV types: These types mainly cause Genital Warts in the genital area and around the anus. Sometimes warts can also develop in the mouth or throat. These warts do not become Cancer . They only cause discomfort and sometimes mental stress. However, these warts can be transmitted to others.
2. High High-risk HPV types risk HPV types: These are the types we should pay more attention to. Because, if this high-risk HPV infection persists in the body for a long time (years), it is more likely to cause Cervical Cancer . These high-risk HPV types are the main cause of cervical cancer in women. Not only that, they are also responsible for Anal Cancer cancer, Oropharyngeal Cancer cancer, vaginal Vaginal Cancer , Vulvar Cancer , and Penile Cancer) Cancers such as cervical cancer can also be caused by these high-risk HPV types.

Let's learn a little more about genital warts.

Genital warts are caused by the low-risk HPV types we talked about, especially HPV types 6 and 11. They can appear on the skin around the genitals, between the thighs, in the buttocks, and around the anus. Sometimes they can appear as a single wart, or they can appear in clusters. They usually look like small bumps on the surface of a Cauliflower . Although they are not painful, they can be itchy or uncomfortable.

A doctor can usually identify these warts by sight. There are several treatments for them (such as special creams, Cryotherapy , and laser treatment). But the most important thing to remember is that even if the warts are removed with treatment, the HPV virus may not be completely eliminated from the body. This means that the warts may reappear.

So, if I already have warts, is there any point in getting the HPV vaccine?

Yes! Definitely yes! This is the clearest answer you can give. I will explain why.

Imagine you have genital warts. That means you have been infected with a low-risk HPV type (for example, HPV types 6 or 11). But, there are hundreds of types of HPV, right? You probably haven't been infected with all of them at once. The HPV vaccine protects you from other dangerous HPV types that are covered by the vaccine, even if you haven't been infected yet.

Like, if you've had one type of cold and it's over, can't you get sick again with a virus that causes another type of cold? You can, right? The HPV vaccine is the same way. If you have warts from one type of HPV, this vaccine can protect you from those high-risk types of HPV that can cause cancer (if you haven't already been infected with them).

An HPV vaccine like 9 Gardasil 9 which is currently widely used in Sri Lanka and the world, protects against a total of 9 HPV types, two of the main HPV types that cause genital warts (types 6 and 11) and seven of the main high-risk HPV types that cause cervical cancer and other cancers (types 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58). So, even if you already have the type of HPV that causes warts, it is worth getting this vaccine to protect against the other dangerous types.

If I get the vaccine, will my partner be protected?

This is a question that many people ask. If you get the HPV vaccine now, it will only protect your body from future infections. The vaccine cannot protect your partner from HPV types that you already have, or that you may have already contracted from them. The vaccine is not a treatment for an existing infection.

However, your partner can also get the HPV vaccine. This will protect him/her from the types of HPV that are covered by the vaccine if he/she has not yet been infected. The HPV vaccine is recommended for everyone, regardless of gender. This is because HPV infections affect everyone and everyone's contribution is important to prevent the spread of the disease. This vaccine is usually given between the ages of 9-12, but it is possible to get catch-up vaccination up to a certain age.

Is it important to use condoms even when getting vaccinated?

Absolutely yes! This is a no-brainer. Even if you and your partner have both been fully vaccinated against HPV, it is still very important to use a condom during every sexual encounter (whether vaginal, anal, or oral). There are several reasons for this:

• The HPV vaccine only covers a few of the HPV types that most commonly cause cancer and warts. There are other HPV types that the vaccine does not cover. Using condoms provides some protection against those types.
• Using condoms not only protects against HPV, but also against other sexually transmitted diseases/infections ( STDs / STIs ) (e.g. HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia).
• However, keep in mind that the HPV virus can also be present on areas of skin not covered by a condom, so a condom may not provide 100% protection against HPV. However, the protection provided by a condom is much higher than being without any protection.

With all this, what else do we need to know?

There are other important things to do besides getting vaccinated to protect yourself from HPV.

• Pap Smear for Women: After the age of 25 (21 in some countries), married or sexually active women should have a Pap smear at regular intervals .It is very important to have a Pap test at regular intervals. This can detect Precancerous changes in the cells of the cervix before they develop into cancer. It is important to have this test even if you have been vaccinated. Sometimes HPV DNA tests are also done at the same time.
• A healthy lifestyle: Avoiding smoking, eating a balanced diet, and keeping your immune system strong also indirectly help protect against HPV-related diseases.

Where can I get the HPV vaccine? How can I find out more?

If you want to learn more about the HPV vaccine, genital warts, or any other sexual health issue, you can:

• See your family doctor.
• Go to a government sexual Sexual Health Clinic clinic.
• Consult a Family Family Health Midwife for advice.
• Get information from organizations like the Family Family Planning Association Association.

Final Take-Home Message

So, from what we've discussed today, it should be clear to you what benefits you get from getting the HPV vaccine even if you have genital warts.

• There is definitely a benefit to getting the HPV vaccine even if you have genital warts. It protects you from the dangerous types of HPV that can cause cancer, even if you haven't been infected yet.
• The vaccine you get now will not protect your partner from an HPV infection you already have. It is important that they seek medical advice about getting vaccinated as well.
• Whether you get the HPV vaccine or not, using a condom during every sexual act is the best way to protect yourself from other types of HPV and other STDs .
• It is essential for women to have regular Pap Smear smears to protect themselves from cervical cancer.
• Feel free to talk to a doctor about any questions or concerns you have about your sexual health, without shame or fear.

HPV infection is nothing to be ashamed of, it's very common. The important thing is to be aware of it and take all the steps you can to protect yourself and your loved ones.

HPV, HPV vaccine, genital warts, Human Papillomavirus, Genital Warts, HPV Vaccine, Cancer prevention, Sexual health, Condoms