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 (9 in 1), Gardasil (4 in 1) and Cervarix are currently the three vaccines that are proved safe and effective in preventing HPV. Gardasil (9 in 1) can prevent genital warts, vulva cancer, anus cancer and cervical cancer which are caused by HPV 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58. It is suitable for men and women over the age of nine. 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.