Common myths and truths about HPV vaccination

Overview: Wondering if you or your youngster should get the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination? HPV can lead to various cancers, including cervical and head and neck cancer. Understanding the common myths and truths about the vaccination may help with your decision. 

Nearly 13 million Americans, including teens and adults, become infected with Human Papillomavirus (HPV) each year according to the CDC. Unvaccinated individuals who are sexually active will more likely get HPV at some point in their life. Although most HPV infections go away on their own, some don't and may cause cancer.

Let's look at some myths and truths about the HPV vaccination.

Myth: The HPV vaccination promotes sexual activity at a young age.

Boys and girls ages 11 and 12 should receive the vaccination for the best protection against future exposure to HPV. You can get the HPV vaccine up to age 45; however, it may not be as effective if you've already been exposed to HPV.

The point of vaccinating a young person isn't to promote sexual activity. Most new HPV infections happen during adolescence and young adulthood. The vaccine needs to be given before sexual activity to be more effective in preventing infections and subsequent cancers. Like other vaccinations, the HPV vaccination is given as part of the course of regular immunizations.

Truth: HPV is highly contagious and can cause cancer.

HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection that spreads through skin-to-skin contact. So, it’s extremely important to get vaccinated before becoming sexually active. HPV can be passed through one sexual encounter and may not show symptoms. It’s usually discovered with the diagnosis of an HPV-related cancer or genital warts.

HPV can cause the following types of cancer:

• Cervical
• Vaginal
• Vulvar
• Anal
• Penile
• Oropharyngeal (throat)

Myth: The HPV vaccination is unnecessary and dangerous.

The fact is the HPV vaccination received strict safety testing through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before its approval in 2006. Since that time, with careful monitoring and research, the vaccination continues to prove it’s safe.

There are around 200 strains of HPV, and 13 of those can cause cancer, so the vaccination is necessary for both men and women.

Truth: The HPV vaccination is effective.

Since 2006, HPV infections and cervical precancers have dropped significantly.

• Infections with HPV types that cause cancer and genital warts have dropped 88% In teen girls and 81% in young adult women.
• Males vaccinated for HPV have a significantly lower risk of developing all HPV-related cancers, with 3.4 cases per 100,000 vaccinated people compared to 7.5 per 100,000 unvaccinated people.
• In vaccinated women, cervical precancers caused by types of HPV linked to cervical cancer dropped 40%.

Myth: The HPV vaccination has terrible side effects.

Like with most vaccines you receive, the side effects are mild and go away in a day or two. They could include:

• Nausea
• Muscle or joint pain
• Headache or fatigue
• Fever
• Dizziness or fainting
• Pain, redness and swelling at the injection site

Truth: The HPV vaccination doesn't cause infertility or problems with fertility.

Actually, not getting the vaccination could cause fertility problems. If you get cancer caused by HPV and receive treatment, such as a hysterectomy, chemotherapy or radiation, you may not be able to have children.  Additionally, treating cervical precancer sometimes causes preterm delivery.

Myth: Men don't need to get the HPV vaccination.

Men should receive the HPV vaccination because they get cancer caused by HPV in large numbers, just like women. According to the CDC, HPV causes 70% of head and neck cancers in men, which is more than cervical cancer cases in women.  Additionally, unlike a Pap test for women, there’s no such test for penile, anal or head and neck cancers in men caused by HPV.

The HPV vaccination is just as safe for males as it is for females, and the odds of getting HPV-related cancer increase with age. It’s wise for males to get the vaccine in their teen years, rather than waiting until later in life.

Still on the fence? Consult with your primary care provider to understand more about the benefits of the HPV vaccination for you or your child.

This blog was medically reviewed by a MercyOne provider.