LIVING WELL WITH HPV: 5 STEPS FOR SAFER SEX

If youre sexually active, its likely youll be infected by the human papillomavirus (HPV) at some time in your life. Most people with HPV dont develop any symptoms or health problems from the virus because the bodys immune system is able to fight off the infection.

Most women and men with the virus will never know they have it, says Vanessa Cullins, MD, MPH, a retired board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and former vice president for medical affairs at Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

Still, some people do develop genital warts, which can come from certain types of HPV. Some women learn they have HPV after an abnormal Pap smear, a procedure in which a doctor collects cells from the cervix to check for cancerous or precancerous changes.

If youre concerned about contracting HPV, talk to your doctor about which tests are available and recommended for you.

5 Ways to Lower Your Risk of HPV Infection and Transmission

If you know youre infected with HPV or even if youre not sure what can you do to safeguard yourself and your sexual partner from HPV transmission?

First, assume youll be living with some type of HPV virus at some point in your life. Everyone who is sexually active, vaccinated or not, should make this assumption, Dr. Cullins says.

Then consider these steps to help protect yourself and anyone with whom you have intimate contact.

1. Get Vaccinated and Encourage Your Partner to Do So

Keep in mind that FDA approval of the vaccine doesnt guarantee your health insurance will cover its cost. Adults ages 27 to 45 who are interested in being vaccinated against HPV should check with their insurer first to make sure theyre not faced with surprise medical expenses.

Gardasil 9 protects against the two HPV strains that cause most genital warts, types 6 and 11, as well as against seven cancer-causing types of HPV, including HPV types 16 and 18.

2. Use Condoms During Sex

Use condoms or dental dams for vaginal, oral, or anal sex, and never reuse condoms.

3. Get Regular Medical and Dental Checkups

Nearly all cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV infection, and its usually curable when found early.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends getting screened for cervical cancer starting at age 25. Between ages 25 and 65, the ACS recommends screening every three to five years depending on the test type and collection method to look for early signs of cancer.

While no equivalent screening tests exist to detect precancerous conditions of the mouth or throat, routine preventive dental and medical care is one of the best prescriptions for ongoing health, Cullins says.

4. Learn to Identify HPV Symptoms

Know the symptoms of HPV-related infections so you can be on the lookout for them in yourself and your partner.

If you or your partner is being treated for an HPV-related infection, refrain from having sex until treatment is completed.

5. Practice Good Genital Hygiene

After having sex, urinate to rinse any germs from your urethra, and wash your genitals with soap and water. This can help clean away bacteria or viruses before they have time to infect you.

The Takeaway

• The majority of sexually active people will get an HPV infection at some point in their lives.
• Most HPV infections are asymptomatic, but some cause cervical and other forms of cancer.
• Vaccination, regular screenings, and consistent condom use can all help prevent HPV transmission and complications.

Additional reporting by Ingrid Strauch.