Genital Warts (Human Papillomavirus)
Prevention
You can reduce your risk of becoming infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV) or another sexually transmitted infection (STI). You also can reduce the risk of spreading HPV to your sex partner(s).
Practise safe sex
Preventing a sexually transmitted infection (STI) is easier than treating an infection after it occurs.
- Talk with your partner about STIs before beginning a sexual relationship. Find out whether he or she is at risk for an STI. Remember that it is possible to be infected with an STI without knowing it. Some STIs, 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 STI or are being treated for an STI.
- Avoid sexual contact with anyone who has symptoms of an STI or who may have been exposed to an STI.
- Don't have more than one sex partner at a time. Having several sex partners increases your risk of getting an STI.
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 STI. 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 STIs.
Vaccines
Health Canada recently approved a vaccine (Gardasil)
(What is a PDF document?) 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
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| Author: | Carrie Henley Robin Parks, MS | Last Updated: November 16, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Tom Bailey, MD - Family Medicine Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease | |
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