Does Gardasil Cause Birth Defects?

Gardasil is a vaccine that is used to reduce the risk of the four strains of the Human Papillomavirus, or HPV, which are known to be responsible for the majority of cases of cervical cancer and genital warts. The vaccine is FDA-approved for girls and women between the ages of nine and 26. If you're planning to become pregnant in the near future and are considering this vaccine to guard you from HPV, you may be wondering if there are any potential risks for your baby. Here's what all women should know before choosing to get this vaccination around or after conception.

Is There a Risk of Birth Defects if You Get Gardasil Before Conception?

There was not a greater risk of birth defects among women in clinical trials who were given the vaccination around the time of conception, according to a USA Today article that was published in 2006. Merck, the makers of the vaccine, does maintain a pregnancy registry to monitor the effects of Gardasil among women who have been vaccinated within thirty days of becoming pregnant or while they were pregnant, however.

What does this mean for you? If you accidentally become pregnant around the time of getting the Gardasil vaccine, there does not seem to be a risk of birth defects affecting your baby. Since the vaccine is still fairly new and the long-term effects are not yet well known, it is ideal to consider arranging to the Gardasil vaccine for a time when you are not trying to become pregnant, however.

Is it Safe for Women to Get the Gardasil Vaccine During Pregnancy?

According to the Gardasil informational website, the vaccine is not recommended for women who are pregnant. This is likely because the effects of the vaccine for women who are pregnant are unknown. It is often difficult to find women who are willing to participate in studies which could put their unborn baby at risk. That said, more research is being done as time goes on.

If you're thinking about getting the Gardasil vaccine, the best thing that you can do is plan to have it administered at a time when you are not pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Remember that you can reduce the risk of infection in the meantime by using condoms at all times and remaining in a monogamous relationship.

To find out if you are a good candidate for the HPV vaccine, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider. Common risks associated with this vaccine include pain and redness at the site of injection, mild and moderate fevers, and itching at the site of the injection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only. Consult with a healthcare provider if you are concerned about your health.

Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Gardasil
USA Today