How to Reduce Risk Factors of Contracting HPV

The human papilloma virus (HPV) is a group of highly contagious infections that has been linked to both genital warts and cervical cancer. With a bit of caution, you can easily reduce the contributing factors of HPV and hopefully avoid contracting the virus.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Latex condoms

Reduce the Risk Factors that May Lead to You Contracting HPV

1. Abstain from sex for the most surefire way to prevent contracting HPV. The infection can be passed through anal, oral and vaginal sex.
2. Use a condom if you choose to have sex. About 30 of the HPV strains can only be contracted through sexual contact. The best way to reduce the risk of contracting the virus is to use a condom or dental dam. Other forms of birth control do not prevent the infection from being passed between partners.
3. Limit the number of sexual partners you have. Multiple partners mean a higher risk of contracting HPV. Also, choosing partners that have multiple partners will increase your risk factors. A long-term monogamous relationship reduces your risk of developing HPV.
4. Quit smoking. Smoking has been proven to increase the risk of contracting HPV and may cause the symptoms to be more pronounced. Most importantly, smoking is one of the leading risk factors in the formation of pre-cancerous conditions of the cervix caused by HPV.
5. Build your immune system by living a healthy lifestyle. People with impaired immune systems, such as those living with HIV, are more at risk to developing HPV. Any weakened immune system makes it harder for the body to fight infection. You should eat healthy, exercise regularly and visit your doctor annually for checkups.
6. Have regular gynecological exams, including a pap test (often called a pap smear). While pap tests will not prevent you from contracting HPV, a regular exam will detect abnormal cervical cells that may be a sign of cancer.
7. Avoid sex with a partner that has a visible genital wart outbreak. Even with condom use, the warts may be passed onto the other partner. While HPV may still be transmitted when there are no warts, a condom will be usually be effective between outbreaks.

Tips & Warnings

• A person can contract more than one strain of HPV (at the same time even), so do not assume that you are not at risk if you have been diagnosed with HPV in the past.
• Spermicide does not prevent HPV and, in fact, may cause tiny tears in the vaginal lining that may make women more susceptible to contracting the virus.

Who Can Help: