In addition to getting regular Pap tests and checkups, there are other ways to protect yourself from HPV.
Practicing safer sex can help protect you from HPV, which can cause genital warts, cervical cancer, and other health problems.
How can I catch HPV?
HPV is spread by skin-to-skin genital contact during sexual activity, even if you don't actually have sex. It's not spread through the blood like some other viruses, such as HIV.
How do I practice "safer sex"?
- Don't panic! Safer sex doesn't mean locking yourself in a closet for the next 20 years or staying away from sex altogether.
- Although you've probably heard it all before, make sure you use a condom each and every time you have any sexual contact with your partner. Remember that condoms don't provide complete protection because they don't cover all exposed skin that could transmit HPV. But don't stop using condoms because of this - they still help protect against other infections like HIV, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. Condoms also reduce your chances of getting pregnant.
- This may seem like common sense, but must be stated anyway: If you see signs of genital warts, including blisters, sores, or itching, avoid sexual activity. Some experts believe that when visible warts are present, the HPV is more likely to spread. Click here to see what genital warts look like.
- Limit the number of sexual partners that you have. See how HPV can spread through your network of sexual partners.
- Remember that abstinence (not having sex) is a valid choice - don't feel pressured into having sex if you're not comfortable with it. But if you do decide to have sex, use condoms and limit the number of sexual partners you have to help reduce your risk of getting infections such as HPV.
What else do I need to know about safer sex and HPV?
- You can't tell if someone has HPV just by looking at them. Often, people have no visible symptoms at all, but can still pass on the virus. They may not even know they have it.
- Having sex with only one person won't necessarily protect you from getting HPV either. You or your partner may already have caught HPV from a previous relationship, even if he didn't have sex. Remember, any sexual activity involving skin-to-skin contact in the genital area can spread the virus.
It's up to you to practice safer sex! This will help protect you from HPV and other STIs. Remember, it's important to learn all of the ways to protect yourself.
I've been hearing on the news about a vaccine for certain types of HPV. What's all the noise about?
A vaccine is available and can help to protect against certain types of HPV. The HPV vaccine provides protection against 4 types of HPV - 2 types that cause 70% of all cases of cervical cancer, and 2 types that cause 90% of all genital warts.
Can I get the vaccine?
The vaccine is available for girls and young women aged 9 to 26 years.
The best time to be vaccinated is before you become sexually active, because you haven't been infected with certain types of HPV. The HPV vaccine can still be useful if you're already sexually active, since you're unlikely to have been infected with all 4 types of HPV that the vaccine protects against. You can also receive the vaccine even if you've already had genital warts, cervical cancer, or abnormal cervical cells, since it may still protect you from becoming infected with types of HPV that you haven't been infected with. But, while the vaccine may prevent these problems, it can't treat HPV if you already have it.
How is the vaccine given?
It's given in a series of 3 separate injections (shots). The first 2 shots are given 2 months apart, and the third shot is given 6 months after the first one. To make sure the vaccine works properly, it's really important that you have all 3 shots at exactly the right times. It is best that you follow the schedule above, however, if you should miss a dose, your doctor will decide the best time to give you the missed dose.
To help you remember, try setting up your next 2 appointments at the first doctor's visit, and mark them in your calendar at home, or set a reminder on your cell phone. Whether it's a cell phone, wall calendar, or friend or family member, there are many ways to remind you of when your next vaccine injection is due - just use the one that works best for you.
What won't the vaccine do?
The vaccine is well-tolerated, meaning that there are few, if any, side effects for most women. The vaccine is not a treatment for cervical cancer, genital warts, or abnormal cervical cells. Nor is it a substitute for regular checkups, which include your routine Pap tests. Remember, a Pap test is one of the best ways to screen for abnormal cells and cervical cancer. Unfortunately, the vaccine is not for everyone, so check with your doctor to see if it's right for you.
What are the side effects of the vaccine?
The vaccine is generally well-tolerated. Side effects from the HPV vaccine may include:
- dizziness
- fever
- headache
- nausea
- pain, swelling, itching, or redness where the injection was given
Talk to your doctor about what you should do if you experience any of these side effects. Very rarely, women may have difficulty breathing after having the vaccine. If this happens, call 9-1-1 immediately.
What's next?
To find out more about HPV and all the things that you can do to protect yourself, including practicing safer sex, having regular Pap tests and checkups, and getting vaccinated, speak to your doctor. Not all forms of protection against HPV may be right for you, so talk to your doctor.
Getting vaccinated against HPV isn't a substitute for regular Pap tests and checkups. Even if you've been vaccinated against HPV, you'll still need routine Pap tests and checkups.
