Genital Warts (Human Papillomavirus): Prevention

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Prevention

You can reduce your risk of becoming infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV) or another sexually transmitted disease (STD). You also can reduce the risk of spreading HPV to your sex partner(s).

Practice safe sex

Preventing a sexually transmitted disease (STD) is easier than treating an infection after it occurs.

• Talk with your partner about STDs before beginning a sexual relationship. Find out whether he or she is at risk for an STD. Remember that it is possible to be infected with an STD without knowing it. Some STDs, such as HIV, may be in your blood for 3 to 6 months before they can be detected.
• Be responsible.
  • Avoid sexual contact if you have symptoms of an STD or are being treated for an STD.
  • Avoid sexual contact with anyone who has symptoms of an STD or who may have been exposed to an STD.
• Don't have more than one sex partner at a time. Having several sex partners increases your risk of getting an STD.

Male condom use

Condom use can reduce the risk of becoming infected with HPV. You can help prevent infection if you use them every time you have sex.⁴ Condoms must be put on before beginning any sexual contact.

Female condom use

Even if you are using another birth control method, you may wish to use condoms to reduce your risk of getting an STD. Female condoms are available for women whose partners do not have or will not use a male condom. Female condoms may lower the risk of HPV infection of the cervix. But these condoms are more effective at lowering the risk of other STDs.

Vaccines

In 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the HPV vaccine (What is a PDF document?) (Gardasil) that protects against four types of HPV, which together cause most cases of cervical cancer and genital warts. Three shots are given over 6 months. Gardasil is recommended for girls 11 to 12 years old. The immunization is also recommended for females 13 to 26 years old who did not receive it when they were younger. It can be given to girls as young as 9 years old. Studies show that the vaccine is safe and works well to prevent cervical cancer and genital warts.⁵

For more information see:

Should my daughter get the HPV vaccine?

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Last updated:	August 17, 2006
Author:	Robin Parks, MS
Reviewed By:	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine, Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman