How to prevent HPV
There are HPV vaccines available for children (boys and girls) that prevent the strands that most likely lead to disease and cancer.
For girls and women (women who have not received an earlier vaccine) there are two vaccines available: Cervarix and Gardasil. Both vaccines help protect against types of HPV that cause cervical cancers. In addition to protecting women from contracting cervical, anal, vaginal, and vulvar cancers, Gardasil also prevents genital warts.
For boys and men (men who have not received an earlier vaccine), the vaccine Gardasil can help protect against most genital warts and cancers associated with HPV.
Condoms do not fully prevent HPV contraction, as HPV can affect areas that are not covered by a condom.
Limiting the number of sexual partners can also significantly reduce your risk of contraction. It is important to note that even a lifetime faithful partner can contract and spread the virus.
For more information, test centers and information on STDs, please visit the Center for Disease Control’s website: www.cdc.gov
