In June 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first vaccine for certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). In clinical studies, the vaccine was effective in preventing infection by two high risk viruses, HPV 16 and 18, which cause more than 70 percent of cervical cancers. The vaccine is also effective against low risk HPV types 6 and 11, which cause approximately 90 percent of genital warts. The vaccine is most effective in women who have not yet been exposed to these types of sexually-transmitted HPVs and cannot treat existing HPV infections. The FDA has approved its use in females between the ages of 9 and 26. The vaccine has not been approved for use in males but clinical studies are under way to determine its safety and effectiveness in men.

The vaccine is a recombinant vaccine, meaning that it contains no live virus. The virus in the vaccine is a genetically engineered protein and cannot cause the HPV infection. It is given in a series of three injections into muscle tissue over a six month period. Women who are allergic to yeast should not receive the vaccine. The vaccine does not contain thimerosal (a compound that contains mercury) or any other preservative.

In 2006, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended that the vaccine be given to girls beginning at the age of 11 to 12 years. 

Women who receive the vaccine should continue to follow other cancer-prevention strategies, such as regular Pap tests and gynecological examinations. The vaccine does not protect against other types of STDs and women should use methods to protect themselves against these diseases.

For those who are sexually active, prevention can be difficult because most people do not know they are infected. However, there are a number of ways to reduce the risk of infection, including:

• Practicing abstinence. Refraining from vaginal, oral and anal sex with anyone.
  
  
• Being monogamous. Having a long-term relationship with an uninfected partner may prevent infection. However, the virus is so common that having sex with only one lifetime partner does not guarantee prevention of HPV infection.
  
  
• Reducing the number of sexual partners. For those not in a long-term relationship, reducing the number of sexual partners will decrease the risk of becoming infected.
  
  
• Using a condom. Latex condoms can provide some protection if they cover the area of HPV infection. New studies have indicated that regular, correct condom use can protect women from HPV infection.
  
  
• Using a dental dam (square piece of latex placed over the vaginal or anal opening during oral sex). Using a dental dam during oral sex can reduce the risk of infection.
  
  
• Avoiding sex with a partner with genital warts. A person with visible signs of genital warts should abstain from sex until the warts are removed. This reduces the risk of spreading HPV.

Spermicidal foams, creams, jellies and condoms coated with spermicide have not been proven to be effective in preventing the spread of HPV. In fact, they may cause microscopic abrasions that make it easier to contract a sexually transmitted disease. Spermicides are not recommended for routine use.