Protect Yourself Against HPV-related Diseases

By the team at Speedoc,

October 05, 2022

Did you know for most people, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) usually clears on its own. But for some others, HPV can lead to certain cancers and diseases. Opting for a Gardasil 9 vaccination can help protect your loved ones and yourself.

Download the Speedoc app and you can easily consult a house call doctor within the privacy of your home!

What is HPV and how can Gardasil 9 help me?

HPV is a viral infection that is primarily passed between people who have sexual contact, and it can affect your genitals, mouth, or throat. Typically, sexually active women and men will be infected at some point in their lives.

Many assume that once a person is infected with one type of HPV, he/she will not be infected with another. The good news is that even if you have been infected with one type of HPV, Gardasil 9 can protect you from certain cancers caused by other types of the HPV virus.

Gardasil 9 protects individuals between 15 and 45 years of age against the following diseases caused by 9 types of HPV:

Cervical cancer^,
Vaginal cancer^,
Vulvar cancer^,
Anal cancer^,
Certain head and neck cancers^ (eg. throat and back of mouth cancers)
Genital warts*

^ denotes HPV Types 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58

* denotes Genital warts HPV Types 6 and 11

What to expect?

Gardasil 9 comprises a 3-dose schedule. Persons who are 15 to 45 years of age* can expect to take their second dose 2 months after the first dose, and the third dose 6 months after the first dose.

*If you are above 26 years old or a male aged 9 and above and wish to receive the HPV vaccination, you are advised to speak to a doctor to find out if it may benefit you.

What are the common side effects?

Before opting for the HPV vaccination, you should consult a doctor who will assess your medical history and well-being. Do note that these side effects may occur after the vaccination:

Bruising/Swelling of injection site
Bleeding of injection site
Redness of injection site
Itching of injection site
Feeling faint
Headache
Fever

What are the signs and symptoms of a HPV infection?

People suffering from it won't know until it causes serious health problems because symptoms rarely present themselves. At times, people find out that they have HPV when they check for genital warts.

As such, regular checkups help to find out if you’re at risk of the cancer caused by HPV. According to the Singapore Cancer Society, HPV tests should be done at least once every 5 years. You can speak to a doctor via video consultation before opting for the vaccination.

Speedoc's Gardasil 9 vaccination is priced at $888 for 3 doses, which includes a video consultation and 3 nurse home visits.