How to Protect From HPV After a Liver Transplant

According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) affects a large number of transplant recipients. If you have had a liver transplant, you are at a greater risk for HPV because of the lifelong immune suppressive medications. Liver transplant recipients are also at a greater risk of developing infections. HPV is estimated to affect at least half of all people who are sexually active. It is the virus which causes genital warts and cervical cancer.

Instructions

• 1

  Practice safe monogamous sex. Using condoms at all times is necessary if you have had a liver transplant because you are now at risk of infections. While condoms do not fully prevent HPV, they do offer some protection. They will also reduce your risk of catching other sexually transmitted diseases. Having multiple sex partners can increase your chances of contracting HPV, but remember that it only takes sexual intercourse with one infected person.

• 2

  Consider getting the Gardasil vaccine. The FDA has approved Gardasil for girls between the ages of 9 and 26. Gardasil is also currently being tested on boys. As long as you have not already been exposed to HPV, there is a chance that Gardasil will offer you some protection. Talk to your doctor about your liver transplant and risk of HPV to determine if Gardasil is right for you.

• 3

  Visit your doctor for annual pap smears. Many women do not know that they have HPV until their pap smear turns out to be abnormal. Since liver transplant recipients have weakened immune systems, your risk of developing cervical cancer as the result of HPV may be higher. Detecting HPV early on can prevent it from developing into cervical cancer. Early detection of cervical cancer will help ensure that it is easier to treat.

• 4

  Quit smoking cigarettes. Smoking weakens the immune system. Since your immunity is already weakened due to your liver transplant, smoking is the last thing that you need. You will be more susceptible to experiencing cervical cancer due to a poor immune system if you do contract HPV.

• 5

  Follow a well balanced diet. Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, which are rich in vitamins and essential nutrients. Try to stay away from foods that are high in sugar and fat. You also may want to consider taking a daily multivitamin. Doing all you can to boost your immune system will help reduce your chances of contracting HPV and experiencing cervical cancer if you do catch the STD.