Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is caused by a group of over 100 viruses. It is so common that almost everyone who is sexually active will get it at some point in their life.

This article will explain how HPV gets passed on from one person to another.

What is HPV?

HPV is a virus that can cause a variety of conditions in humans, including genital warts and cancer. Most people who are infected with HPV do not know that they have it, because they do not have any symptoms.

How is HPV transmitted?

HPV is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, usually during sexual activity. It can be spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus.

The virus can be transmitted even if there are no visible warts or other symptoms of infection.

Who is at risk of getting HPV?

Anyone who is sexually active is at risk of getting HPV. However, certain groups of people are more at risk than others. These include:.

People who have multiple sexual partners
People who have sex with someone who has HPV
People who have sex at a young age
People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or who have had an organ transplant

Can HPV be passed on without sexual contact?

It is very unlikely for HPV to be passed on without sexual contact. However, it is possible for a mother to pass on HPV to her baby during childbirth, although this is rare.

It is also possible for HPV to be passed on through non-sexual contact, such as sharing towels or clothing, but this is also very unlikely.

How can I reduce my risk of getting HPV?

The best way to reduce your risk of getting HPV is to practice safe sex. This means using condoms every time you have sex, although condoms cannot completely protect against HPV.

You can also reduce your risk by getting the HPV vaccine, which is recommended for both males and females aged 9-26. Other ways to reduce your risk include limiting your number of sexual partners and getting regular Pap tests.

What are the symptoms of HPV?

Most people with HPV do not have any symptoms. However, some types of HPV can cause genital warts, which can appear as small bumps or clusters of bumps in the genital area.

Other types of HPV can cause changes in the cells of the cervix, which can lead to cervical cancer over time.

What should I do if I think I have HPV?

If you think you have HPV, see your healthcare provider. They can perform a pelvic exam and a Pap test to check for abnormalities in the cells of your cervix. If you have genital warts, your healthcare provider can remove them using a variety of methods.

There is no cure for HPV, but there are treatments available for the symptoms it causes.

Conclusion

HPV is a very common STI that can be passed on through skin-to-skin contact, usually during sexual activity. It is important to practice safe sex and get the HPV vaccine to reduce your risk of getting HPV.

If you think you have HPV, see your healthcare provider for a pelvic exam and Pap test.