What else can I do to prevent HPV & cancer of the cervix?
What is the link between HPV and Pap tests?
HPV can cause cancer of the cervix. Pap tests detect abnormal cells in the cervix that might cause this type of cancer.
Although people who are vaccinated against HPV are protected from HPV, this does not mean you can stop having regular Pap tests. The likelihood of cervical cancer goes up dramatically in women who do not have regular Pap tests.
You should have your first Pap test within three years of becoming sexually active, or by age 21.
Do I still need to use a condom?
Yes. Condoms protect you against sexually transmitted infections such as HIV, herpes, chlamydia and gonorrhea. They also prevent unwanted pregnancy. You should use a condom every time you have sex.
But when it comes to HPV, studies show that condoms help but they do not provide 100% protection because the condom does not cover all the skin surfaces where the HPV virus can live.
Is there an HPV test?
This is not really an option. Right now, in Canada, a DNA test for HPV is used only after a Pap test comes back showing abnormal cells. A doctor might decide you should have a DNA HPV test at that time. But this test is not available in all parts of Canada. Because rates of HPV are high in women aged 30 and younger, the test is not recommended for any reason for people under age 30.
How else can I make sure I don’t get HPV?
- Having absolutely no sexual or intimate skin-to-skin contact is the only way to guarantee that you will be 100% safe from HPV.
- Getting vaccinated will help protect you against four types of HPV.
- Always using a condom when you have sex, and practicing good sexual health habits, will help to ensure you greatly reduce your risk of getting HPV. Be aware that HPV is spread by skin-to-skin contact. This means that you can still get HPV from genital skin surfaces not covered by the condom.
- Limit the number of sexual partners. Having more sexual partners raises your risk of getting HPV.
- Have a Pap test. If you are sexually active or older than 21 having regular Pap tests is the best way to protect yourself from one of the worst effects of HPV, namely cancer of the cervix.
