Genital HPV is very common and causes cervical cancer and other cancers of the genital area in addition to warts. So how can HPV infection of the genital area be prevented? Is there a vaccine to prevent HPV infection? There are two vaccines that can prevent HPV infection in the genital area. Both offer protection against high-risk HPV types (such as HPV 16 and 18) that cause 70% of cervical cancers; the quadrivalent vaccine (Gardasil) also offers protection against HPV types (HPV 6 and 11) that cause 90% of genital warts. These vaccines are most effective when all courses of treatment are completed before a history of sexual intercourse. Both vaccines are recommended for girls aged 11-12 years, and for women aged 13-26 years who did not receive or complete the vaccine when they were younger. The quadrivalent vaccine can be used in males aged 9-26 years to prevent genital warts. Although both vaccines are already being used abroad, unfortunately they are not yet officially available in China. Moreover, since the vaccine does not currently target all HPV viruses, the use of this vaccine should not overlook the role of other preventive measures. By limiting the number of sexual partners, sexually active people can reduce their chances of contracting HPV. However, HPV is common and often eliminated before it is recognized, and people who have had only one sexual partner all their lives are at risk of infection. Then again, proper or consistent application of male condoms can reduce the chance of transmitting or contracting genital HPV. However, there will not be complete protection because HPV can infect areas not covered by condoms.