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HPV in Women and Men
Women
High-risk types of HPV (such as types 16 and 18) are the main causes of cervical cancer. They are also associated with other cancers, including vaginal cancer, anal cancer, and oropharyngeal cancers (cancers of the mouth and throat).
Low-risk HPV types (such as 6 and 11) cause genital warts.
Men
High-risk HPV types can lead to penile cancer, anal cancer, and oropharyngeal cancers.
Low-risk HPV types (6 and 11) can also cause genital warts in men.
Currently, there is no officially approved HPV screening test for men, which makes vaccination before exposure especially important for prevention and for reducing the spread of HPV.
9-Valent HPV Vaccine (Gardasil® 9)
HPV Types Covered
Gardasil® 9 protects against 9 HPV types:
6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58
Diseases Prevented
In women:
Cervical cancer, vaginal cancer, anal cancer, oropharyngeal cancers, and genital warts
In men:
Anal cancer, oropharyngeal cancers, and genital warts
Recommendations
Approved by the FDA for females and males aged 9–45 years
The CDC recommends vaccination at ages 11–12 years
Vaccination Schedule
Ages 9–14 years: 2 doses (6–12 months apart)
Ages 15–45 years: 3 doses (at 0, 2, and 6 months)
Extensive research has confirmed the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine.
Limitations
The vaccine does not treat existing HPV infections or HPV-related diseases; it must be given before exposure to HPV
Cervical cancer screening is still necessary for women, even after completing HPV vaccination
