Strengthening Your Body's Resistance to HPV (Genital Warts)
- Stop smoking. Quitting smoking is important not only for general good health, but probably also effective for fighting symptoms of HPV infection, such as warts or lesions.
- Cut back on drinking. According to one recent study, even 2–4 drinks per week is associated with an almost double risk of genital warts.
- Avoid "recreational" drugs such as marijuana and cocaine.
- Eat a balanced diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, so that your immune system has all the raw materials it needs to carry out its work.
- Limit your sexual exposure. It's nearly impossible to know if your partner is free of infection, particularly HPV infection. Use a condom. Several studies have demonstrated that latex condoms are successful in keeping out the papillomavirus. Of course a condom does not cover all possible areas that might transmit or be vulnerable to infection, but it improves your odds of resisting infection considerably.
- Reconsider the way you handle stress. If you think it may be taking a toll on your health, experiment with biofeedback, relaxation techniques, regular exercise, or whatever else helps to mitigate the effects of stress on your life.
- Gardasil Vaccine: Vaccine for girls/women age 9-26 that helps protect against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). HPV causes genital warts and is the most common cause of cervical cancer. Immunity requires 3 doses over 6 months. For more information please visit www.GARDASIL.com or download a document containing information on Gardasil.
