How Can I Prevent HPV Contamination?

The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) causes genital warts. Unfortunately, HPV contamination is very common. In fact, HPV infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted disease these days. More than a million Americans are diagnosed with HPV infection every year.nnHPV is a microscopic virus that can often cause skin lesions and infections. These lesions in the form of warts usually grow in the genital or anal area. However, they can also develop on your lips or anywhere in your mouth. nnGenital warts often appear as small and individual warts, but they can also accumulate and form large clusters of warts. These clusters usually have a very fleshy and cauliflower-like look. nnIn its most basic state, the genital warts may be too small that they tend to be unnoticeable. In some cases, they are not externally visible. When genital warts appear in the internal part of the genital and the anal area, the patient can only tell that he has the infection if the warts will be painful and itchy.nnOnce a person gets infected with the HPV, symptoms do not appear right away. Most of the time, it takes three weeks for the virus to incubate and show preliminary signs. In some cases, the incubation period may take months and even years. However, only one percent of those who are infected with the HPV develop signs and symptoms. This is probably why people may not be aware that they are actually HPV infected. In effect, some people may be spreading the virus to their sexual partners without even knowing that they are doing so.nnA person with the HPV infection can easily spread the disease by having any form of sexual contact with another person. If you are sexually active, you can easily get infected. That is why you must take extreme precautionary measures. Below are some ways to prevent HPV contamination.nna. The best way to avoid HPV infection is to avoid having sex. nn- Abstinence ensures that you will not be infected with HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases such as genital herpes and syphilis. However, if you opt to engage in a sexual intercourse, make sure that you practice safe sex.nnb. Before you engage in sexual intercourse, make sure that your partner is safe. nn- Before starting a sexual relationship, you should be aware of your partner’s sexual background. Determine if he or she is highly at risk for having the infection based on his/her previous and present sexual relationships. Keep in mind that your partner may be HPV infected without being aware of it. nnc. If you have a sexually transmitted infection, you should not have sex. Having one infection enhances your risks of getting another.nnd. Never have sex with someone who has the signs and symptoms of a sexually transmitted disease.nne. Avoid having multiple sex partners. Having more than one sex partner significantly heightens your risk for getting the HPV infection.nnf. When you have sex with someone who might be at risk for having an HPV infection, use condoms. nnHowever, keep in mind that while condoms may decrease your risk for HPV transmission, they cannot provide you with full protection. Skin contact in the genital area may promote HPV contamination, especially if warts and lesions are visible in your partner’s skin.