According to the Cleveland Clinic, there are more than 100 different strands of the human papillomavirus, 30 of which can infect the genitals in both males and females. The human papillomavirus, also known as HPV, is the most common type of sexually transmitted infection, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HPV is passed person to person through direct sexual contact. According to the Cleveland Clinic, there are few symptoms that are present, therefore many people do not know that they have HPV. The most common symptom is warts in the genital region.
Step 1
Talk with your partner. This can be a difficult step, but it is important to tell your partner that you have HPV. Talk with your partner about your specific situation and what you know about your strain of HPV. Be open and honest and allow your partner to ask questions. Your partner may need some time to think about what has been said.
Step 2
Get treatment. If you have genital warts, it is important for you to talk with your doctor about treatment options. There is no cure for HPV; however, about 70 to 90 percent of cases are cleared by the person's immune system, reports the Cleveland Clinic. When treatment is needed, it can include either medications to clear up the genital warts or having them removed.
Step 3
Practice safe sex. Since HPV is spread through contact with the genitals, abstinence is the only way to prevent the transmission of HPV. For those who wish to continue to engage in sexual contact, condoms can help prevent the transmission of HPV.
Step 4
Go to the doctor to have your PAP smear and pelvic exam. Regular screenings and test are important to monitor cervical changes that could be pre-cancerous. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, women over the age of 30 should have a HPV test along with their PAP smear. The HPV test is a screening tool used to check for cervical cancer.
Step 5
Get vaccinated. The HPV vaccine does not cover all strains of the virus, but can help protect you from some of the strains that can develop into cervical cancer. The vaccine is approved for girls and women nine to 26 years of age.
Things You'll Need
- Medications
- Condoms
