Can HPV be prevented?
Getting the HPV vaccine before exposure will prevent some HPV. But the only sure way to prevent HPV is to abstain from all sexual activity. Limiting the number of sexual partners and avoiding sex with people who have had many other sex partners decreases a person’s risk of exposure to HPV. HPV infection is so very common, though, that even these measures do not guarantee that a person will not get HPV. These measures are likely to reduce the number of times a person is exposed to HPV. Condoms provide some, but not total, protection against HPV. The virus can spread during sexual skin-to-skin contact before the condom is put on, and the condom does not cover the entire genital area. Condoms are very helpful, though, in protecting from other infections that can be spread through sexual activity.
Getting the HPV vaccine before being exposed to HPV will prevent some HPV. Limiting the number of sex partners and avoiding sex with people who have had many other sex partners decreases a person’s risk of exposure to HPV. HPV infection is so very common, though, that even these measures are no guarantee that a person will not get HPV. Still, these measures may help reduce the number of times a person is exposed to HPV. Condoms provide some, but not total, protection against HPV. The virus can spread during direct skin-to-skin contact before the condom is put on, and male condoms do not cover the entire genital area, especially in women. The female condom covers more of the vulva in women but has not been studied as carefully for its ability to prevent HPV. Condoms are very helpful, though, in protecting from other infections that can be spread through sexual activity.
