Illustration by Ellen Lindner for Verywell Health
1.
Smoking weakens the immune system, making it harder to clear HPV and increasing the risk of persistent infections.
In fact, smoking is the second biggest risk factor for cervical cancer after HPV itself.
Illustration by Ellen Lindner for Verywell Health
Reducing stress is important for your overall health.
Activities likeyoga, spending time with friends, walking, andmeditationcan help your body manage stress better.
Researchers found that women with higher levels of these vitamins were much less likely to have dangerous HPV infections.
Eat Antioxidant-Rich Foods
Antioxidantsare compounds that help protect your cells from damage because of harmful molecules called free radicals.
They play a vital role in strengthening the immune system and may help the body fight off HPV.
Physical activity improves circulation, allowing immune cells to target and combat infections more effectively.
Limit Alcohol Intake
Drinking alcoholcan make it harder for your body to clear an HPV infection.
Alcohol also lowers folate levels, a vitamin that helps protect your DNA.
Without enough folate, DNA damage can occur, raising the risk of cervical cancer.
Plus, alcohol creates harmful substances in the body that can contribute to cancer.
Avoiding alcohol may help your body fight off HPV more effectively.
Get Plenty of Sleep
Gettingenough sleepis important for your immune system to fight off infections like HPV.
The ideal amount of sleep is about seven to nine hours per night.
Sleeping too little weakens your immune system by reducing important infection-fighting cells and increasing inflammation.
Get Vaccinated
The HPV vaccine cannot cure anexisting infectionor remove damaged cells because of HPV.
Thevaccineworks by training the immune system to recognize and block the virus before it can spread.
Practice Safe Sex
Being diagnosed with HPV won’t end your sex life.
You may just need to sit out a few weeks if you are being treated forgenital warts.
Be aware of how to protect against sexually transmitted infections.
Having one sexual partner and using protection can help lower your risk of getting another sexually transmitted infection.
Talk with your healthcare provider about local resources for individuals diagnosed with HPV.
For online support groups, you’re able to check out the American Sexual Health Association website.
Remember that HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection and you are not alone.
Is HPV a Lifelong Infection?
HPV is not typically a lifelong infection.
Your doctor may also recommend treatment for your specific symptoms, as well as support resources.
Keep in mind that HPV is very common and you are not alone.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About genital HPV infection.
Chan School of Public Health.Folate (folic acid) - vitamin B9.
A narrative review.J Clin Med.
World Health Organization.Cervical cancer.
