Gardasil is a vaccine used to prevent cervical cancer for girls and women between ages 9 and 26. It is also approved to prevent vaginal precancer and cancer. Gardasil helps prevent infection from the most common types, called strains, of HPV. The vaccine is given as 2 shots spread 6 months apart.
Regular gynecologic examinations can help detect cancer or precancerous conditions at an early stage in women with risk factors for vaginal cancer. During a gynecologic exam, the doctor will take a family medical history and perform a general physical examination of the pelvis, during which the doctor will feel a woman’s uterus, vagina, cervix, and other reproductive organs to check for any unusual changes.
In addition, research has shown that certain factors can help prevent vaginal cancer:
Delaying first sexual intercourse until the late teens or older
Avoiding sexual intercourse with multiple partners
Avoiding sexual intercourse with someone who has had many partners
Practicing safe sex, including condom use, although condoms cannot fully protect against HPV
Having regular Pap tests (see Diagnosis) to find and treat precancerous conditions
Not starting to smoke
Quitting smoking, if you currently smoke
Different factors cause different types of cancer. Researchers continue to look into what factors cause this type of cancer. Although there is no proven way to completely prevent this disease, you may be able to lower your risk. Talk with your doctor for more information about your personal risk of cancer.