Can Human Papillomavirus (HPV) be transmitted with a condom on?

From the Guidelines

Yes, HPV can still spread even when using a condom. While condoms provide some protection against HPV transmission, they don't completely eliminate the risk because HPV can infect areas not covered by a condom, such as the scrotum, vulva, or anal region 1. The virus spreads through skin-to-skin contact, not just through bodily fluids.

Key Points to Consider

• For better protection against HPV, vaccination is recommended, with the HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9) being most effective when given before becoming sexually active but can benefit people up to age 45 1.
• It protects against the HPV types most likely to cause cancer and genital warts.
• Regular screening through Pap tests and HPV testing is also important for early detection of any HPV-related changes.
• Using condoms consistently and correctly still reduces the risk of HPV transmission and offers protection against other sexually transmitted infections, so they remain an important part of safer sex practices despite their limitations with HPV 1.

Additional Considerations

• Abstaining from sexual activity is the surest way to prevent genital HPV infection, but for those who choose to be sexually active, a monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner is the strategy most likely to prevent future genital HPV infections 1.
• Limiting the number of sexual partners can also lower the chances of getting HPV, but it's essential to note that HPV is common and often goes unrecognized; persons with only one lifetime sex partner can still have the infection 1.

From the Research

HPV Transmission and Condom Use

• HPV can be transmitted through anogenital contact and penetrative and non-penetrative sex 2, 3, 4
• The use of condoms may reduce the risk of genital warts, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), and invasive cervical cancer (ICC), but the evidence is inconsistent 3, 5
• Consistent condom use appears to offer relatively good protection from HPV infections and associated cervical neoplasia 5

Effectiveness of Condoms in Preventing HPV

• There is no consistent evidence that condom use reduces the risk of becoming HPV DNA-positive 3
• However, condoms may protect against genital warts, CIN II or III, and ICC 3, 5
• The effectiveness of condoms in preventing HPV transmission may be limited by inconsistent use and other factors 3, 5

Alternative Prevention Methods

• HPV vaccination is a highly effective method for preventing HPV infection and related diseases, including genital warts and cervical cancer 4, 6
• Vaccination is recommended for all individuals before they become sexually active, and it is most effective when administered before exposure to HPV 4, 6