The HPV virus is very contagious. It is important to take every measure possible to protect yourself and your partner.

Whether you are sexually active or not, have already been infected with HPV or it’s the first time you are hearing about it, there are steps that you can take to protect yourself and to limit your risk of contracting or transmitting the virus.

The HPV virus can infect anyone who has ever had a sexual encounter even without penetration. The most common transmission is by skin-to-skin contact with the penis, scrotum, vagina, vulva, or anus of a person who has HPV. Kissing or touching a partner’s genitals with the mouth can also transmit the HPV virus.

The fact that you can have the virus without having any signs and symptoms makes it even more important to take steps to protect yourself and your partner.

Total prevention is not easy, but here are some ways to reduce your risk of contracting HPV:

Practice safe sex

It is important to practice safe sex every time. Using condoms or dental dams every time during oral, vaginal, or anal sex can lower the risk of contracting or spreading HPV, though they do not guarantee complete protection against the virus as it can be contracted through skin-to-skin contact beyond the covered area. Nevertheless, condom use is a good risk-reduction strategy and also provides excellent protection against other sexually transmitted infections. Talking openly with partners about sexual health and getting regular check-ups can also help everyone stay informed and safe. Remember, protecting your health is a normal and responsible part of any relationship.

HPV vaccination

Vaccination is up to 90% effective at preventing the HPV types responsible for most genital warts and HPV-related cancers. There are three vaccines that are available and approved for use in Canada, each of which protects against certain HPV types:

• 2-valent HPV vaccine – protects against HPV types 16 and 18
• 4-valent HPV vaccine – protects against HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18
• 9-valent HPV vaccine – protects against HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58

The latest 9-valent vaccine protects against the nine HPV types that are known to cause approximately 90% of cervical cancers, 80% of cervical pre-cancers, 75% of HPV-related vulvar, vaginal and anal cancers and pre-cancers, 60% of penile cancers, and over 90% of genital warts.

In Canada, HPV vaccination is approved for anyone aged 9 to 45. The effectiveness of the vaccines can vary depending on age. For example, research has shown that vaccination provides the best levels of protection (antibodies) in those between the ages of 9 and 13. Since the vaccines were developed to prevent HPV, not to treat it, scientists say that it is most effective if received before a person becomes sexually active. However, vaccination once a person is sexually active also provides protection against infection, even if you have already already had an HPV infection.

Numerous scientific studies and clinical trials were done to ensure that HPV vaccines are safe. People who were participants in these studies had very few negative side effects. The most common is temporary soreness at the site of injection. In some cases, HPV vaccination is not recommended, such as when a person is pregnant or breastfeeding or for people who have certain blood conditions or an immune disorder.

Speak to your health-care provider to see if you are a candidate for HPV vaccination, to learn about the cost and availability in your province, or to discuss any concerns or questions you may have.

The HPV vaccine does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections or pregnancy. Even if you have been vaccinated, you should always use a condom or dental dam during sex to protect yourself, as well as an effective means of birth control.

The earlier the consequence of an HPV infection is found, the better chance there is of fighting it.

Quit smoking

Quitting smoking can lower your risk of developing several types of cancer, and it also helps your body fight off infections more easily, since smoking can weaken your immune system. Even cutting back can make a difference, and it’s never too late to start improving your health.

Here are some ways to ensure early detection:

Cervical cancer screening

If you are a woman or were assigned female at birth, the best defense against cervical cancer is to have regular Pap tests. These tests will detect abnormal cells in your cervix that could lead to cervical cancer. You should have cervical cancer screening tests every few years, according to your province’s guidelines and your health history and risk factors.

Health exam

Although Pap tests/HPV tests are only available for people assigned female at birth, men can be examined by their doctor for genital warts caused by HPV and for signs of cancers of the penis, anus, mouth and throat. Every person who is sexually active should visit a doctor for regular health exams if they think they are at risk of contracting HPV or any other sexually transmitted infection, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.