Dr. Arpitha Reddy

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one the most common sexually transmitted virus and an HPV vaccination protect you against this virus. It is estimated that HP infects at least 50% of the population during their sexually active phase. Although the virus is not a deadly type of a virus asit goes away on its own, in some cases, it can lead to anal, throat cancers and genital warts as well.

The common vaccine
Gardasil is the common form of HPV vaccine that is routinely given for such conditions. It is given to people who’re between the age group of 9 and 26. HPV vaccine is not fool-proof as these don’t work effectively against all types of HPV. But, these vaccines are effective against the high-risk strains that account for nearly 75% of all cervical cancers. The vaccine is also effective against the cancer of the vagina and vulva.

The correct dose
The vaccine has a virus-like strain but it is not the actual virus. The patient is given three doses over a period of six months, and there are no side effects associated with it, apart from giddiness and instances of fainting spells (in some cases). However, these are only passing phases and should disappear in some time.

Small facts
It’s always advisable that you consult a well-trusted doctor before going for one of such vaccines. Thanks to marketing gimmicks, many people can be misguided into this, so it’s always better to know if you’re the right person for this or not. Check your report with a doctor, and then decide. Recently, Gardasil 9 was approved by the medical associations and this strain of vaccine is far more effective than its counterparts.

Know the age factor
Ideally, the vaccine should be endorsed for the population at the ages 11 to 12. It is advisable to give the vaccine at a young age, before the sexual activity of a person starts or the start of the puberty.

Gender talk
Gardasil vaccine can be given to women till they reach the age of 25 or 26 and in case they are not exposed to the vaccine at an early stage. Gardasil vaccination is also effective for men in the age group of 9 to 25 and it helps in the prevention of genital warts which is the most common STI among men.

Prevent cancer?
Gardasil has also been used in the prevention of cancer. It should be noted that the vaccinations are not an exact cure for HPV but it minimizes the chances. It also doesn’t mean that women can skip the Pap smear tests once they are vaccinated that are used to rule out the chances of cervical cancer.

Above all the vaccination should not be taken without consulting your gynaecologist. 

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Having a surgery, big or small, will subject your body to a certain degree of pain. Post operative care, hence, is of paramount importance. You'll have a surgical wound where the surgeon makes the incision. To ensure it heals quickly and reduce your chances of an infection, it is important you care for your wound area and keep a regular check for unusual signs and symptoms. 

Let us take a step back to understand the normal process on how a wound heals. At first, there will be inflammation during the first week when blood flow to your wound increases. This is a crucial care period as your wound is still fresh. The second phase is proliferation where new blood vessels and tissue begin to grow around the area. The third and final phase is maturation where new cells develop to strengthen the wound and soften the scar. Depending on the location and size of your wound, your surgeon may have used stitches (medically called sutures), metal clips or staples and adhesive dressings, tapes or glue. Stitches, clips and staples are usually removed between three and 14 days after your treatment. Here is how you can care for your surgical incision

1.Change your dressing regularly: Most patients are called to the hospital at regular intervals during the first week for a two or three dressing changes. The nurse or doctor ensures a sterile environment during the process. If you find your dressing falling off late night and can't go to the hospital, you can wash your hands thoroughly and open a new sterile dressing package and apply on your wound. At all times, touch only the edges of your old / new dressing.
2.General care for your incision site: Keep the incision site as clean and dry as possible. Keep it covered with plastic during a shower if it is on your hands or legs or take a sponge bath until you get a green signal from your doctor. Protect the incision from sunlight.  Some incisions may get itchy as they heal. This is quite common but it is important not to scratch your incision during this period.
3.Eating and drinking properly to heal quickly:  Vitamin C and protein are important to aid wound healing. Eat a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of variety including lean meat, fish, eggs, dairy, and fruit and vegetables. Make sure that you drink enough water because if you're dehydrated, your wound may take longer to heal.
4.Look for signs of infection: The common signs of an infection are redness, swelling, unusual drainage, warmth around the incision site
increased pain or tenderness at the incision, incision opens up or a fever of more than 100.4 degrees F.