Written for 10zyme Internship.

There are many ways to prevent the spread of HPV (Human papillomavirus), as it is a very easily spreadable STI. Below are a few tips on preventing the spread of HPV and how to keep yourself safe.

• Latex condoms or dental dams

The spread of HPV is most commonly passed through sex. However, it doesn’t just need to be penetrative sex; any contact with the virus can cause infection. It can be transmitted orally, anally, or through skin-to-skin contact with the genital area. A condom doesn’t guarantee full protection as it doesn’t cover the full genitalia region; however, if someone is sexually active, it can be an additional preventative measure. 

• HPV Vaccine

The vaccination can help build immunity against HPV, which could reduce the likelihood of getting the infection in the first place. The vaccine reduces the risk of vaginal and cervical cancer, as HPV is the leading factor that causes cervical cancer. The side effects of the vaccine are very mild and can greatly improve the odds against cervical cancer.

• Regular Screening

Keeping up-to-date with cervical screening ensures a quick reaction to possible positive results. Without testing, it is very difficult to know if you have an HPV infection and could pass it on to more sexual partners. This is because many HPV infections usually have no symptoms, making them nearly impossible to detect without testing.