The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) states that human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STD) in the United States. There is no cure for the virus, but there are several ways to prevent HPV infection.
What is HPV?
Sexually active men and women are at risk of becoming infected with HPV, which spreads through vaginal, anal and oral sex and intimate contact. Many infected people have no symptoms and the virus may go away on its own. However, sSome people never heal the infection.
There are many types of HPV, and some cause genital warts. Other strains increase the risk of cancer of the cervix, penis, vulva, anus and throat.
How to prevent HPV
As with other STDs, there is only one surefire way to prevent the transmission or spread of HPV: abstinence.
Abstinence
Because it is spread during sexual activity, abstaining from sexual intercourse and intimate contact would prevent the contraction and transmission of HPV.
Monogamy
Another way to prevent HPV is to adopt monogamy, where you have only one uninfected partner who is also monogamous. However, it is important to remember that many people with HPV have no symptoms and there is no “HPV test” that can determine a person’s status.
Vaccination
HPV vaccines can prevent genital warts 90% of HPV-related cancers. Children should receive the HPV vaccine before they are sexually active, usually at age 11 to 12; Unvaccinated people up to the age of 26 must also be vaccinated. In addition, children aged 9 years and older and adults up to 45 years of age are also eligible for the vaccine.
Can condoms prevent HPV?
In short, yes, although they are not perfect. Condoms are at least somewhat effective at preventing STDs — including HPV and HPV-related warts and cancer –, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages use for all sexually active people. However, factors such as partial coverage and user error can reduce the protective quality of a condom, just as it can affect the risk of pregnancy. Combining condoms (and dams) with vaccination and informed sexual relationships significantly reduces the risk of contracting HPV or transmitting it to a partner.