Oral Cancer a Growing Concern

The most effective way for anyone to prevent getting genital warts and HPV-related cancers is to get the HPV vaccine at the recommended age.

Gardasil 9, the HPV vaccine currently available in the United States, protects against HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58, all of which can cause cancer, as well as types 6 and 11, which cause genital warts.

The HPV vaccine is also approved for adults up to age 45, based on a discussion with your healthcare provider about whether it makes sense for you.

For men of all ages, limiting your number of sex partners can lower your exposure to HPV, and using condoms or dental dams during sex is partially protective against HPV infection.

A new type of underwear made of stretchy latex and designed to prevent sexually transmitted infections during oral sex may provide another option. It was cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in May 2022. While men can wear these protective undergarments, they are sized primarily for women.

Additional reporting by Quinn Phillips.