Prevention of HPV

Certainly, regular cervical cancer screening for all sexually active women and the treatment of precancerous lesions remain key strategies for reducing the risk of cervical cancer, a rare but deadly consequence of HPV infection. 

**However, screening does not prevent HPV infection or the development of precancerous lesions.
*The introduction of HPV vaccination represents an exciting new development for preventing infection with the most common HPV types. Getting vaccinated can help reduce the risk of contracting 4 of the most common types of HPV.

So, what are the other prevention strategies?
Condoms. The results of a recent literature survey suggest that condom use may protect against genital warts, CIN II or III, and invasive cervical cancer.
 
*However, it’s important to stress that the use of condoms cannot protect entirely against HPV. 
*Human papillomavirus is spread by skin-to-skin contact and does not require a transfer of body fluids. Since HPV may shed beyond the covered area, condoms do not provide as complete protection as they do for some other pathogens, such as HIV and gonorrhea. Although the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the use of condoms, patients should understand that condoms do not offer 100 percent protection against an HPV infection.

Abstinence. Avoiding skin-to-skin contact with someone with an HPV infection is the most effective strategy to prevent HPV transmission. Refraining.

(Since this is slightly unrealistic to most people, limiting the number of sexual partners is one of the best ways to prevent contracting or spreading HPV)

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