HPV Prevention

HPV is the 'common cold' of being sexually active. This means that the virus doesn't care who we are, or who we choose to have sex with. Most of us will be sharing HPV with our fellow human beings.

Preventive vaccines

HPV vaccines are highly effective at preventing almost all genital HPV infections, including genital warts, and preventing HPV-related cellular changes or cancer developing.
Vaccination is highly recommended for both females and males and, ideally, should be completed prior to becoming sexually active. For people who are already sexually active, the vaccine may still be of benefit as it will prevent the acquisition of new HPV infections for the strains the vaccine covers.
The HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9) is licensed for use in New Zealand for females aged 9–45 years and males aged 9–26 years. The vaccine is free for both males and females aged 9–26 years (inclusive). Ask your GP or health provider for further information or to get the vaccine.

Preventing HPV cancers by vaccination pamphlet

Preventing HPV cancers by vaccination: what everyone should know

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Reducing the risk of getting sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Ways to lower your risk of getting any sexually transmitted disease may also be effective for HPV or genital warts:

You can reduce your risk of getting HPV or genital warts by not having sex with anyone, or by limiting the number of sexual partners you have. People who have unprotected sex with many partners are at higher risk of getting sexually transmitted infections.
Condoms, used correctly from start to finish each time you have sex, provide some protection if they cover the area of any visible genital warts. However, HPV may be present in areas of skin not covered by condoms. Condoms are recommended with all new or casual sexual partners as they do provide good protection against other sexually transmitted infections.
Spermicidal foams, creams, and jellies used as an adjunct to condoms are not proven to act against HPV and genital warts. They are best used along with condoms, not in place of condoms.