Ways to lower the chances of getting HPV and cervical cancer

Are there ways to lower my chances of getting HPV and cervical cancer?

HPV prevention is very important since there is no cure for the virus. Gardasil and Cervarix are currently the two vaccines that are proved safe and effective in preventing HPV. Gardasil can prevent genital warts and cervical cancer which are caused by HPV 6, 11, 16 and 18. It is indicated in female from 9 to 45 and male from 9 to 26. Indicated in female aged 9 or above, Cervarix can prevent cervical cancer which is caused by HPV 16 and 18. However, no vaccines can cure existing HPV or HPV-related diseases (such as genital warts). The vaccine (either Gardasil or Cervarix) is given in three shots over six months. For more information, please refer to HPV Vaccines.

Condoms (if used with every sex act, from start to finish) may lower your chances of passing HPV to a partner or developing HPV-related diseases. But HPV can infect areas that are not covered by a condom, so condoms may not fully protect against HPV.

Apart from vaccination, getting Pap tests (Pap smear) or HPV DNA tests regularly and living a healthy lifestyle (such as not smoking and avoid having multiple sex partners) are also essential in preventing HPV and cervical cancer.