Professional Gynecological Services
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*Same Day Appointments & Walk-Ins WelcomeProfessional Gynecological Services
*Same Day Appointments & Walk-Ins WelcomeHPV has spread like wildfire in recent years, affecting 6 million new Americans each year. In fact, the sexually transmitted disease that is spread through genital contact is so prevalent that 50% of sexually active men and women will get it at some point in their lives.
For this reason, more and more Americans are going for their GARDASIL vaccinations. GARDASIL helps protect against 4 types of HPV that are responsible for 75% of cervical cancer cases, 90% of genital warts, 70% of vaginal cancer cases and 50% of vulvar cancer cases.
In order to get the vaccination, you should consult your doctor or health care professional, but here are a few answers to some important questions you may have about GARDASIL:
No. Both men and women can get HPV. In fact, it is estimated that 75-80% of men and women will have HPV in their lifetimes. HPV can also cause genital warts, and so the FDA has approved GARDASIL for both males and females ages 9-26.
Yes. The GARDASIL vaccination is a series of three injections taken within 6 months. The second one should be taken 2 months after the first dose. And the third one should be taken 6 months after the first dose. If you miss a dose, speak to your doctor or healthcare professional.
Yes. Even if you have already been exposed to HPV, GARDASIL helps protect against other types of the virus you may not have been exposed to.
GARDASIL is covered under many health insurance plans. If you do not have an insurance plan that covers it, the cost is $120 per dose, plus any doctor visit fees. For those who need help paying for GARDASIL, there is a Merck Vaccine Patient Assistance Program and a Vaccine for Children Program, which offer free vaccines to uninsured adults and children.
Many doctors offices do not have the vaccine. You can have them write you a prescription, pick it up at a pharmacy, and then bring it back to them to administer the vaccine. Or just stop in at a health clinic such as The Women’s Choice Clinic in Brooklyn, NY where they will administer the vaccination right there.
Yes. Those 4 types of HPV are responsible for 75% of cervical cancer cases, 90% of genital warts, 70% of vaginal cancer cases and 50% of vulvar cancer cases. Women should still make sure to go for their Pap tests or cervical cancer screenings, even if they have been vaccinated.
Pregnant women and anyone who is allergic to yeast or any other ingredient in GARDASIL should not receive the vaccination. Some side effects include pain, itching, redness, headache, fever, nausea, dizziness, vomiting and fainting. So you may choose to lie down for 15 minutes after getting vaccinated. Consult with your doctor or healthcare professional before taking GARDASIL.
Dr. Dmitriy Bronfman, MD, is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist with over 25 years of experience providing complete gynecological care. He is an expert in many aspects of modern women's health, including preventative medicine, pelvic pain, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, and general, adolescent, and menopausal gynecology.
Dr. Bronfman graduated magna cum laude from New York University and received his medical degree from Mt. Sinai School of Medicine before completing his residency at Brooklyn Hospital Medical Center. He currently practices at Professional Gynecological Services and is affiliated with Lutheran Medical Center, New York Methodist Hospital, and The Brooklyn Hospital Center. Dr. Bronfman, together with the core physicians of Professional Gynecological Services, implements state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, the most tested treatments, and the latest surgical technology, all while establishing a welcoming atmosphere in which your questions and concerns will be addressed with the utmost attention.
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