The Human Papillomavirus Infection
Some General Information
HPV is the most commonly contracted sexually transmitted disease. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 79 million Americans have HPV, and around 14 million are infected each year (Genital HPV). Though a lot of information out there makes it seem like condoms are an all-protective force, they can’t necessarily keep HPV contained. Any form of sex can spread HPV, and skin to skin contact beyond what a condom could inhibit can also transmit the infection (Genital HPV).
Because of this, the infection can affect anyone. It’s usually viewed as a women’s issue, but it can actually affect men or women; cervixes or penises, anuses or mouths (Genital HPV).
How to Protect Yourself and your Partners
The Vaccines (information from Human Papillomavirus Infection)
Protect against precancerous changes in skin cells that lead to cervical and anal cancer in women and anal cancer in men.
Two of the most dangerous strains of HPV (16 and 18) can be protected against by the vaccines HPV2 and HPV4, which are commonly called Cervarix and Gardasil respectively.
Neither Gardasil nor Cervarix contain viral RNA or DNA, so there’s no chance of contracting the infection.
Gardasil also protects against several strains of HPV that cause warts.
It’s recommended that both girls and boys be vaccinated between the ages of 11-12.
Vaccinations can be taken later: Women from 13-26 years old can get the vaccine.
The recommendations are different for men: A three dose series is recommended; the second at 13-22 years old and the third at 22-26 years old.
Getting the vaccination will protect you from the bacteria that cause HPV and ensure that sexual contact with your partner or partners won’t infect them.
Condoms and dental dams can be used to inhibit contact with potentially infected areas during sexual activities to decrease your risk of infection.