Condoms and HPV Transmission Prevention

Evidence for Partial Protection

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that correct and consistent male condom use can lower the chances of giving or getting genital warts, but such use is not fully protective because HPV can infect areas that are not covered by a condom 1
Multiple guidelines acknowledge that little evidence exists to suggest that condoms reduce the risk for HPV infection itself 2, 3, 4
One prospective study among newly sexually active college women demonstrated a 70% reduction in HPV infection when partners used condoms consistently and correctly 5

The virus can infect skin and mucosal areas not covered by condoms, including the vulva, scrotum, perineum, and perianal region 1, 8
Genital warts can be transmitted even when no visible signs of warts are present and even after warts are treated 8
The presence or absence of symptoms is irrelevant to transmission risk 8

Patients should inform current or new sexual partners that they have genital warts, as they can be transmitted to others 1, 8
HIV-infected persons should use latex condoms during every act of sexual intercourse to reduce risk for exposure to sexually transmitted pathogens, although limited evidence exists to demonstrate that condoms reduce the risk for HPV infection 2, 3, 4
Abstaining from sexual activity (refraining from any genital contact) is the surest way to prevent genital HPV infection 5

The quadrivalent HPV vaccine (Gardasil) can prevent infection with HPV types that cause 90% of genital warts (types 6 and 11) and is recommended for males and females aged 9-26 years 1, 9
Women should continue regular Pap test screening as recommended, regardless of vaccination or genital wart history 1