Birth Control Pills: What They Are, Advantages and Disadvantages, Usage, Side Effects

There are various birth control methods that both men and women can use for family planning.

Among these methods, birth control pills are an effective option for sexually active women. Topics such as their mechanism of action, side effects, advantages, disadvantages, and reliability are of interest to many. However, birth control pills are currently recognized by physicians as an effective pregnancy prevention method that can be used by all healthy women. Therefore, women who wish to prevent pregnancy can consult their doctors to learn more about birth control pills, undergo a general check-up, and receive their doctor's advice on using birth control pills for pregnancy prevention.

How is HPV Infection Transmitted?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection can spread through various routes. It can be transmitted directly or indirectly through contaminated surfaces, body lesions, and sexual contact. The most common method of transmission is through sexual contact. Having multiple partners and engaging in sexual activity at a young age increase the risk of sexually transmitted HPV. As a result of HPV transmission, warts may appear in the genital area. Additionally, HPV infection can lead to certain types of cancer, including:

• In women: vaginal, vulvar, and cervical cancers
• In men: penile cancer
• In both women and men: anal cancer, and cancers of the tonsils, base of the tongue, and the back of the throat (oropharyngeal cancer)

How to Protect Against HPV Infection

HPV spreads through contact with infected surfaces and skin or through sexual intercourse. While monogamy was traditionally the primary way to avoid HPV, vaccination is now a significant preventive measure thanks to advances in healthcare. For HPV protection, HPV-DNA testing, Pap tests for screening, and early diagnosis are important. Taking precautions to reduce the risk of HPV transmission plays a crucial role in lowering infection risk. These precautions include:

• Getting Vaccinated: The HPV vaccine is an effective and reliable method for preventing infection. Getting vaccinated within the recommended age range and doses helps prevent HPV and the diseases it causes, protecting the body against the virus.
• Undergoing Cervical Cancer Screening: HPV infection can lead to cervical cancer in women. To prevent cervical cancer caused by HPV, it is important to have regular screenings as recommended by your doctor.
• Using Condoms: One of the common ways HPV spreads is through unprotected sexual contact. Sexually active individuals should use condoms correctly to prevent HPV transmission through sexual contact. However, HPV can sometimes infect areas not covered by condoms, which may lead to infection. Therefore, in addition to condom use, engaging in sexual relationships with only one partner is an effective way to reduce the risk of HPV transmission.

The Effect of the HPV Vaccine on Cancer

HPV is a significant infection that can cause genital warts and cancer. The types of HPV that cause genital warts differ from those that lead to cancer. Cancer development after HPV infection usually takes years. HPV can cause several types of cancer, including cervical, vulvar, vaginal, penile, and anal cancers.

HPV infection can also cause other types of cancers, such as those of the mouth, throat, lips, nose, or salivary glands, including oropharyngeal cancers. Oropharyngeal cancer occurs when HPV infects the mouth and throat, particularly affecting the oropharynx (the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils). Symptoms of oropharyngeal cancer may include persistent sore throat, ear pain, hoarseness, swollen lymph nodes, pain while swallowing, and unexplained weight loss. However, in some cases, people may not experience any symptoms.

The immune system plays an essential role in the body’s defense against HPV. Individuals with weakened immune systems may have difficulty protecting their bodies from HPV, increasing the risk of health issues related to HPV.

The HPV vaccine is an effective and safe method developed to prevent cancers of the reproductive system and other HPV-related cancers. The HPV vaccine prevents new HPV infections and supports the immune system. However, it does not prevent existing infections and diseases. Therefore, receiving the vaccine before being exposed to HPV is a crucial method in preventing virus transmission.

What is the HPV Vaccine?

The HPV vaccine is a method used to provide protection against infections caused by the human papillomavirus. The HPV vaccine can be administered to individuals who are not sexually active as well as those who are. While it is not a standalone treatment for HPV infection, the goal of planned treatment is to address diseases caused by the virus. To ensure protection before exposure to the virus, the HPV vaccine is recommended in appropriate doses for young people around 11-12 years of age. The vaccine can be given starting at age 9 and is recommended for everyone up to age 26. Additionally, the HPV vaccine may be administered to adults between 27 and 45 years old based on their risk status. Depending on the initial age of vaccination, the HPV vaccine is given in a two- or three-dose series. Individuals who receive their first dose before age 15 usually require two doses of the HPV vaccine. Those who receive their first dose at age 15 or later, as well as younger individuals with specific immunosuppressive conditions, will need three doses. The HPV vaccine is not recommended for pregnant individuals, and vaccination is postponed until after childbirth. Those who know they are pregnant should delay vaccination until after pregnancy. If a person discovers they are pregnant after starting the HPV vaccine series, it is recommended to receive the second and/or third doses after the pregnancy.

HPV Vaccine and Dosage

In current healthcare practices, the HPV vaccine is recommended before the first sexual activity and ideally before age 25. Individuals who receive their first dose before their 15th birthday are recommended to get two doses of the HPV vaccine. The second dose of the HPV vaccine is administered 6 to 12 months after the first dose. For individuals aged 15 to 26 at the time of their first dose and those with immunosuppressed conditions, three doses of the HPV vaccine are recommended. Additionally, three doses are suggested for immunocompromised individuals (including those with HIV) aged 9 to 26. After the first dose, the second dose is administered 1-2 months later, with the third dose following 6 months after the first.

What Are the Side Effects of the HPV Vaccine?

The HPV vaccine may have certain side effects based on an individual's health status. These potential side effects include:

• Pain, redness, swelling, fever, or headache at the injection site after HPV vaccination
• Fainting after vaccination
• Muscle or joint pain at the injection site
• Dizziness, nausea, vision disturbances, and ringing in the ears
• Allergic reactions such as itching, redness, swelling of the face and throat, shortness of breath, and increased heart rate

HPV is a type of virus that, when transmitted, can cause serious illnesses such as cancer. Taking preventive measures against HPV transmission is important to avoid potential health issues. Routine health screenings as recommended by your doctor can help with the early detection of HPV infections and prevent potential complications. By regularly scheduling doctor check-ups against HPV, you can protect your health and prevent possible diseases.