Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted virus in the United States. It is so widespread that about three out of four people have HPV at some time in their lives. Currently about 20 million people are infected with the virus.

Why is HPV so common?

There are over 100 types of HPV– 40 of these types are sexually transmitted and infect the genital area of males and females. The virus ranges from low-risk types, that cause genital warts, to high-risk types that lead to cervical cancer. Most types of the virus do not have a harmful effect on the body and will depart within eight to 13 months. However some will not and lie dormant in the body for years without being detected. This is a major cause of its far-reaching effect. More times than not someone does not realize they have the virus and will unknowingly pass it to their partner.

Protection from HPV

There is only one sure way to avoid HPV altogether and this is to avoid any type of genital contact with anyone else. Other ways to protect yourself or reduce your risk of contracting the virus is to:

1. Practice abstinence- Most people who have ever had sex have had HPV at some point in their lives. Even if you have only had one sexual partner, there is still a chance that you may still have the disease if that person is infected with it. Not having sex greatly reduces this chance.
2. Be in a monogamous relationship with someone who has been tested and is unaffected by the virus.
3. Limit the number of sexual partners you have and be with someone who has not had any or few sexual partners.
4. Use condoms the correct way every time. However be aware that even with the use of condoms, HPV can still be passed between partners because it may be present in skin that is not covered by a condom. The infection can even be passed if the area covered by the condom is affected. However, even though condoms do not prevent HPV and are not as effective as reducing the risk as they are with other sexually transmitted diseases, a study showed the use of condoms can reduce the risk of receiving it.

Research Underway

A recent study showed that carrageenan, a chemical found in sexual lubricants, can inhibit HPV’s ability of transferring itself. The effectiveness of carrageenan to act as protection against HPV still needs to be studied and tested, but since the chemical itself has proven to be safe for long-term vaginal use, it may be made into a reasonably priced component that kills or disables viruses or bacteria.

Sources:
http://www.cdc.gov/std/HPV/STDFact-HPV.htm
http://www.microbicide.org/publications/show_story.html?NewsID=695