Reduce your risk of sexually transmitted infections

To reduce your risk of vulvar cancer, reduce your risk of the sexually transmitted infection HPV:

• Limit your number of sexual partners. The more sexual partners you have, the greater your risk of exposure to HPV.
• Use a condom every time you have sex. Condoms may reduce your risk of contracting HPV but can't fully protect against it.
• Get the HPV vaccine. Children and young adults may consider the HPV vaccine, which protects against the strains of the virus that are thought to cause the most cases of vulvar cancer.

Ask your doctor about pelvic exams

Ask your doctor how often you should undergo pelvic exams. These exams allow your doctor to visually examine your vulva and manually examine your internal reproductive organs to check for abnormalities.

Talk to your doctor about your risk factors for vulvar cancer and other pelvic cancers in order to determine the most appropriate screening exam schedule for you.