HPV Prevention Guide

The HPV prevention guide will help you to prevent the spread of the human papillioma viruses (HPV). There are over 100 variations of the HPV virus. Most are classified as low-risk. The low-risk HPV virus can cause genital warts, though many forms are completely harmless. There are 30 forms of high-risk HPV viruses. The high-risk form of the HPV virus can cause cancer. The most common method of contracting any form of the viruses is through sexual contact.

1. Practice Abstinence. The best way to prevent the spread of the HPV viruses is to abstain from any sexual contact. Abstinence is the only method that is 100 percent effective in preventing HPV.
2. Get vaccinated. Vaccines have been developed and are recommend for teenage girls. If you have a daughter, talk to your Doctor about protecting her from HPV.
3. Mutually monogamous relationship. A mutually monogamous relationship in which both partners are committed to each other will lower the risk of or even prevent HPV. Both partners should be tested before beginning sexual relations to ensure that they are both virus free. As long as both partners stay monogamous, there will be no risk of infection.
4. Use a latex condom. Correctly using a latex condom will lower the risk of contracting an HPV virus. It does not eliminate the risk. Use a latex condom consistently whenever you are going to have sex with your partner.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD) and that half of the population will become infected by an HPV virus at some point in their life. In 90 percent of those cases, the virus will clear up within two years with the person never knowing that they were infected. However, the other ten percent may develop warts or High-risk HPV which can lead to cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, and anus in women. In men, it can lead to cancers of the anus and penis.