A review of the evidence comparing the human papillomavirus vaccine versus condoms in the prevention of human papillomavirus infections.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the evidence related to the efficacy of condom use versus the human papillomavirus vaccine in the prevention of human papillomavirus infections.


METHODS
Cochrane, CINHAL, PubMed, and Clinical Evidence. Various combinations of the keywords HPV, vaccine, and condoms were used for the search.


METHODS
Randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled trials were reviewed for evaluation of the human papillomavirus vaccine. Several longitudinal studies and a meta-analysis were used for review of condom efficacy related to human papillomavirus transmission.


METHODS
Studies evaluating the use of either condoms or the human papillomavirus vaccine and its impact on human papillomavirus transmission rates, detected through either human papillomavirus DNA testing or clinical disease.


CONCLUSIONS
The evidence indicates that the greatest degree of protection from specific types of human papillomavirus infection is provided by the vaccine. However, the use of condoms in addition to the human papillomavirus vaccine provides the greatest protection from the untoward effects of human papillomavirus infection and may also provide protection against human papillomavirus types not in the vaccine and other sexually transmitted infections.
Northwest Women's Health Care, Seattle, WA 98104, USA. sdmiksis@yahoo.com
Shelley
S
Miksis
D003140:Communicable Disease Control; D017280:Condoms / Q000592:standards*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D053918:Papillomavirus Vaccines / Q000592:standards*; D018579:Patient Selection; D010919:Placebos; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012107:Research Design; D015229:Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014611:Vaccination
D053918:Papillomavirus Vaccines; D010919:Placebos