Consistent condom use reduces risk of HPV infection.(Sex Research Update)(Human papillomavirus)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in Canada and around the world. In most cases, the infected individual is unaware that they carry the virus. Although most HPV infections will clear over time, persistent infection of the cervix with certain sub-types of the virus can progress to cervical cancer. Other sub-types can result in genital warts. Existing research on the effectiveness of latex condoms in preventing HPV infection and its outcomes have been mixed and far from definitive in one direction or another. Many of the existing studies were cross-sectional in design or were not specifically designed to evaluate the effectiveness of condoms in preventing HPV infection.

Winer, Hughes, Feng, et al. (2006) conducted the first longitudinal study specifically designed to evaluate the temporal relationship between condom use and HPV infection.

The final sample for the study consisted of 82 female University of Washington undergraduates aged 18 to 22 who had their first experience of vaginal intercourse during the course of the study or had had intercourse with one male partner in the previous three months. Study participants completed a web-based diary every two weeks where they reported the number of times they had intercourse, the frequency of condom use, and number of new partners. Every four months the participants provided cervical and vulvovaginal samples for HPV testing. The participants were followed for an average of 33.9 months.

The data from the Winer et al. (2006) study clearly indicate a protective effect for consistent condom use in reducing the risk of HPV infection. The cumulative incidence of a first HPV infection over 12 months after first intercourse was 37.2%. ...