You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. We link primary sources - including studies, scientific references, and statistics - within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. Quitting smokingĪccording to the American Academy of Dermatology, people who smoke have a higher risk of developing genital warts compared to people who do not smoke. Instead, wash the vulva, or outside of the vagina, with warm water only. In mammals, the vagina is the elastic, muscular part of the female genital tract.In humans, it extends from the vestibule to the cervix.The outer vaginal opening is normally partly covered by a thin layer of mucosal tissue called the hymen.At the deep end, the cervix (neck of the uterus) bulges into the vagina.The vagina allows for sexual intercourse and birth. Avoiding douchesĪccording to the Office on Women’s Health, douching may remove some of the vagina’s beneficial bacteria and increase the risk of someone contracting an STI.Īs the vagina is self-cleaning, it is not necessary to douche. Keep in mind that other forms of birth control that prevent pregnancy, such as a diaphragm or birth control pills, do not prevent STIs. To prevent HPV and other STIs, always use condoms or dental dams during vaginal, oral, or anal sex. The vaccine can prevent people from getting strains of HPV that cause most cases of both genital warts and cervical cancer and is available in the U.S.

Getting the vaccine is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of HPV. Planned Parenthood recommend: Getting the HPV vaccine Preventative measures can reduce the risk of a person contracting HPV, as well as the chance that those with an active infection can spread the virus to others.

Penile vaginal skin tags