HPV and Cervical Cancer: How to Protect Yourself from HPV Infections

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States. It is estimated that close to 3/4th of sexually active adults have come in contact with HPV at sometime in their lives. Most HPV strains are harmless and many will go away on their own, but there are a few strains that have shown to be dangerous. Sometimes the HPV can linger and cause changes to cervical cells that can lead to cancer in time if left untreated. Two strains in particular have been shown to cause over 70% of cervical cancer cases. HPV strains 16 and 18 are the most dangerous types of the virus and are responsible for causing cervical cancer. Strains 6 and 11 cause the majority of genital warts. The FDA recently approved a new vaccine in the United States for girls and young women called Gardasil. This vaccine provides protection against these 4 strains of HPV. It is important to know that Gardasil will not protect you if you already have one of these strains, but it will provide protection for the strains you do not have. Gardasil is recommended for younger girls, generally ages 11-12. If the vaccine is given before sexually activity is begun, it has the greatest chance for protection. The vaccine is given in 3 doses over a 6 month period of time.

Is Gardasil Vaccine Effective at Preventing HPV?

Since it is still very new, the long term results are not known. Research shows it is effective for at least 4 years, but as time goes on, the need for a booster may arise. There are also other HPV vaccines that are in the works but are not yet approved for widespread use. HPV vaccines are not to be used in place of regular Pap screens. Regular Pap tests can detect cervical cell changes before they progress to cancer. There is also an HPV DNA test that is used when a Pap test results are abnormal or unclear. It cannot tell what particular strain of HPV is present though. The vaccines do not protect against all types HPV that cause cervical cancer, only the 2 most popular strains.

How to Protect Yourself from HPV

Abstinence is still the safest way to prevent HPV. Sexually active women can also reduce their risk of exposure to HPV by limiting sex partners and staying in a monogamous relationship with someone who has had no or few partners. Condoms may reduce the risk as well but there is still a chance of contracting the virus because not all genital areas are covered by condoms. The HPV vaccine currently on the market has been shown to prevent cell lesions in the cervix which can often lead to cancer. Getting the vaccine as a young girl and practicing safer sex can help prevent getting a strain of HPV that may lead to cervical cancer down the road. It is also important to get regular pelvic exams and Pap tests to detect any changes at an early stage before it has a chance to turn into cancer. If you do find that you have contracted HPV, there are many natural treatments available to treat your symptoms.