infections
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection
Prevention of HPV Infection
There are three vaccines to choose from to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine : Nine-valent: Protects against nine types of HPV Quadrivalent: Protects against four types of HPV Bivalent: Protects against two types of HPV Only the nine-valent vaccine is available in the United States. All three HPV vaccinesprotect against the two types of HPV (types 16 and 18) that cause about 70% of cervical cancers. Thequadrivalent vaccineincludes protection against the two types of HPV (types 6 and 11) that cause more than 90% of genital warts. Thenine-valent vaccineadds protection against 5 other types of HPV (types 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58) that cause about 15% of cervical cancers. These vaccines are given by injection into a muscle, usually in the upper arm. Preferably, the vaccine is given at age 11 or 12 years, but it can be started as early as 9 years. Children younger than 15 years receive two doses; people 15 years and older receive three doses. Consistent Condoms can reduce the risk of HPV infection and disorders related to HPV, such as genital warts and cervical cancer. Because HPV can be transmitted by skin-to-skin contact, condoms do not fully protect against infection. In men, circumcision reduces the risk of getting HPV infection, as well as HIV infection and genital herpes, but not syphilis. Other general measures can also help prevent HPV infection (and other sexually transmitted infections): Decreased risk of exposure to STIs by reducing the number of sex partners, not having high-risk sex partners (people with many sex partners or who do not practice safer sex), or practicing mutual monogamy or abstinence Prompt diagnosis and treatment of genital warts (to prevent spread to other people) 