You cannot catch HPV from a surface such as a toilet seat or even a door or sink handle. [4] X Trustworthy Source American Cancer Society Nonprofit devoted to promoting cancer research, education, and support Go to source You also won’t get HPV from sharing towels with an infected person. [5] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source

Latex and polyurethane condoms have been tested for effectiveness. If you or your partner has a latex allergy, choose a polyurethane condom. Don’t choose novelty condoms. Pick a package that says it is meant to prevent infection or disease, as they are intended to offer protection.

You may have more trouble finding dental dams. Some Planned Parenthood locations have them, and you can sometimes find them at specialty sex stores. You can also find them online. [9] X Research source If you’re desperate, you can cut off the ring at the end of a condom, then slice down one side to produce a flat piece of latex like a dental dam. [10] X Research source

Ask your healthcare provider about the vaccination for you or your children. [12] X Research source It takes three shots to be fully vaccinated. [13] X Research source

It is important if you have had an infection in the past that you tell your sexual partner(s).

If you suspect a partner may be having unprotected sex with others, do not hesitate to cease having sex with him or her. It is better to lose a sexual partner than to risk your health.

Nicotine weakens your immune system. Because of this, smokers are at higher risk of developing genital warts. Stop smoking to help your immune system recover.

Genital warts will be the same color as your skin, but they may have the texture of cauliflower. [21] X Research source The bumps will not be hard; rather, they will give a little when pushed. [22] X Research source

Your doctor may also perform a DNA test on the virus, though the CDC does not deem it necessary because it won’t affect treatment. This test can determine whether the kind of HPV you have is one that puts you at risk for cancer. [24] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source It is important to get genital warts examined. Certain kinds of precancerous lesions on the vulva may look like genital warts, but could progress to cancer if not treated. [25] X Trustworthy Source American Cancer Society Nonprofit devoted to promoting cancer research, education, and support Go to source

These medications may be expensive, so your doctor may recommend burning off the warts instead. Podophyllotoxin is most often used for smaller warts closer together. You use a stick to drop the liquid on the warts, though you can also apply it as a cream. You use it for a couple of days, then take the rest of the week off. [27] X Trustworthy Source DermNet NZ Online clinical resource website written and run by dermatologists providing evidence-based information about dermatology and skin health Go to source For bigger warts, you’ll likely use imiquimod. You use it 3 times a week for at least a couple of weeks by applying it and then rinsing the area about 8 hours later. [28] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source

Your doctor may burn off genital warts by applying trichloroacetic acid (TCA). For very hard, small warts, your doctor may give you trichloroacetic acid. Because it can damage your skin, your doctor’s office will apply it. It actually burns the wart, so you will likely feel the burning. [30] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source Other options are laser therapy and even surgery for particularly bad outbreaks. [31] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source

Certain strains of the HPV virus can put you at risk for cancer later in life. In particular, you may be at a higher risk for cervical cancer, cancer of the vulva, cancer of the mouth and throat, cancer of the penis, and cancer of the anus. [33] X Trustworthy Source National Cancer Institute An agency in the National Institutes of Health focused on cancer research and patient support Go to source HPV can also cause problems for you if you become pregnant. [34] X Research source For instance, warts can bleed when you deliver or limit how much your vaginal wall can stretch. Although it is rare, you may also transmit the warts to your baby during delivery, resulting in a syndrome called juvenile onset respiratory papillomatosis. This condition must be treated by a doctor. [35] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source