The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted disease that is spread during skin-to-skin contact with an infected area of the body. HPVs are the cause of more than 95% of cervical cancer cases, according to the World Health Organization. This type of cancer can be cured if it is diagnosed early and treated in a timely manner. That is why, this time, Dr. Marco Sánchez Salcedo, gynecologist and oncologist at Clinica Ricardo Palma Clinic, provides us with information on how to prevent HPV.

Preventive measures against the Human Papillomavirus

• Get vaccinated against HPV

HPV vaccines are more effective when applied before starting sexual life, since they work only to prevent infection and not to treat it.

• Limit exposure to HPV

It can be very difficult not to be exposed to HPV, but to do so, it is advisable to limit the number of sexual partners and avoid intimate relationships with people who have had many sexual partners, which could reduce the risk. However, the human papillomavirus is very common, so even sexual activity with one person can be risky, as that person can have HPV for years and not have symptoms, which would make them unknowingly contagious.

• Use a condom

Condoms provide some protection against HPV, but they can’t completely prevent infection because they don’t cover all areas of the body that can become infected, such as the skin of the genital or anal area.

• No Smoking

Not smoking is another important way to reduce the risk of cervical cancer and pre-cancer.

Dr. Marco Sánchez Salcedo
Gynecologist and Oncologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma