COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT HPV – UNDERSTAND THE FACTS TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that is primarily transmitted through sexual contact. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 80% of men and women will contract HPV at least once in their lifetime. In some cases, HPV infection can lead to serious health conditions, including genital warts, precancerous lesions, and cancers of the cervix, oropharynx, anus, penis, vulva, and vagina.

Despite its prevalence, many people still have misconceptions about HPV and HPV vaccination, leading to a false sense of security or missed opportunities for effective disease prevention.

Some common misconceptions include:

❌ “HPV only affects women.”

❌ “Men do not need the HPV vaccine.”

❌ “The HPV vaccine can cause infertility or early puberty.”

❌ “If I am married, have children, or have already been infected with HPV, I no longer need vaccination.”

❌ “HPV testing is required before receiving the vaccine.”

These misconceptions may contribute to the spread of HPV within the community and delay preventive measures and screening. Meanwhile, cervical cancer—one of the most serious diseases caused by HPV—is highly preventable through vaccination and regular screening.

In the article below, MSc. MD. Nguyen Huu Mai Khanh, Pediatric Specialist at CarePlus Clinics, will help parents and families identify five of the most common misconceptions about HPV and provide accurate information for effective prevention.

1. “Only women need the HPV vaccine.”

✅ Fact: HPV can cause diseases in both males and females. Therefore, HPV vaccination is recommended for both sexes to reduce the risk of HPV-related diseases and help prevent virus transmission within the community.

2. “If I have already had sexual intercourse or am over 26 years old, it is too late to get vaccinated.”

✅ Fact: The HPV vaccine provides the greatest benefit when administered before exposure to HPV. However, individuals who are sexually active can still benefit from vaccination because they may not have been exposed to all HPV types covered by the vaccine. In Vietnam, the approved age range for HPV vaccination has now been extended up to 45 years old.

3. “The HPV vaccine can cause infertility or early puberty.”

✅ Fact: There is no scientific evidence that HPV vaccines cause infertility, early puberty, or negatively affect future fertility, pregnancy, or childbirth.

4. “If I have received the HPV vaccine, I am completely protected from cancer and genital warts.”

✅ Fact: HPV vaccines protect against specific high-risk HPV types included in the vaccine formulation, but they do not prevent infection from all existing HPV types. Therefore, women should continue to undergo regular cervical cancer screening as recommended by their healthcare providers.

5. “I must get tested for HPV before receiving the vaccine.”

✅ Fact: HPV testing is not required prior to vaccination. Even if a person has already been infected with one HPV type, vaccination can still provide protection against other HPV types to which they have not yet been exposed.

💙 Understanding the facts about HPV is the first step toward protecting your own health, your children, and your loved ones. Do not let misinformation prevent you from taking advantage of effective preventive measures against a disease that is largely preventable.

CarePlus currently offers a package of 3 doses of the 9-valent HPV vaccine (Gardasil® 9) for both males and females aged 15 to 45 years at a special price of VND 8,850,000.

The package includes:
• Medical consultation before each vaccination visit
• Fixed pricing throughout the entire vaccination schedule

Learn more here:
https://www.careplusvn.com/vi/tiem-tron-goi-3-mui-vac-xin-gardasil-9

📩 Send us a message via our Facebook page or call our toll-free hotline 1800 6116 to book your appointment today.