Introduction
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common viral infection that affects both males and females. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 79 million Americans currently have HPV, and about 14 million people get newly infected each year. While most of the time HPV goes away on its own, some high-risk types may cause cancer and other serious health problems. In this article, we’ll explore the different ways of getting HPV and provide practical tips for minimizing the risk of contracting the virus.
Sexual Contact
HPV is mainly spread through sexual activity – vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Genital HPV infection is very common and often has no symptoms, so many people who are infected may not even know it. HPV can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact with an infected person’s genitals even if there is no penetration. This includes touching, rubbing, and any other sexual activities that involve genital contact. Condoms are not 100% effective in preventing HPV, as they may not cover all of the areas where HPV may be present, but they can reduce the risk of transmission.
Certain factors can increase the risk of contracting HPV during sexual activities. These include having multiple sexual partners, having sex at a young age, having a weakened immune system, and having a partner with HPV. People who engage in high-risk sexual behaviors such as unprotected sex, having sex with someone who has had many partners, and anal sex, are also more likely to get infected with HPV.
To prevent HPV transmission during sexual activities, it’s recommended to practice safe sex by using condoms consistently and correctly, getting vaccinated, and reducing the number of sexual partners. It’s also important to get screened regularly for sexually transmitted infections, including HPV.
Vertical Transmission
Vertical transmission of HPV occurs when an infected mother passes the virus to her newborn during delivery. In rare cases, HPV can also be transmitted during pregnancy through the placenta. While most babies are not affected by the virus and clear it on their own, some may develop warts or lesions in the throat or respiratory tract, and in rare cases, anogenital warts.
Factors that increase the risk of vertical transmission include having a high viral load, having active genital warts or lesions at the time of delivery, and premature rupture of the membranes. Pregnant women who know they have HPV should inform their healthcare provider and plan for appropriate management during pregnancy and delivery.
To decrease the chance of vertical transmission, doctors may recommend screening pregnant women for HPV and treating genital warts or lesions before delivery. In some cases, caesarean section may be advised.
Skin-to-skin Contact
HPV can also be spread through skin-to-skin contact, which can occur through nonsexual means such as wrestling or touching someone else’s warts or lesions. The virus can enter the body through small cuts or abrasions on the skin, and it can survive on surfaces for a brief period.
To minimize the risk of contracting HPV through skin-to-skin contact, it’s important to avoid touching someone else’s warts or lesions, and to maintain good hygiene by washing hands and using a clean towel. If you have a wart or lesion, cover it with a bandage until it goes away. It’s also important to avoid sharing personal items such as towels, razors, and clothing with others, as this can increase the risk of transmission.
Sharing Personal Items
HPV can survive on surfaces for a short period, so sharing personal items that come into contact with infected skin or bodily fluids can potentially transmit the virus. Items that are commonly shared and can harbor HPV include towels, razors, underwear, and swimwear.
To minimize the risk of HPV transmission through sharing items, it’s recommended to avoid sharing personal items whenever possible. If sharing is unavoidable, make sure to wash and disinfect items thoroughly before use. Disposable personal items such as razors and toothbrushes should not be shared.
Lack of Vaccination
HPV vaccines are highly effective in preventing most HPV-related cancers and diseases. The CDC recommends routine vaccination for all boys and girls aged 11 or 12, as well as for young adults up to age 26 who have not been vaccinated before. The HPV vaccine is given in two or three shots depending on the age at the time of the first shot.
Reasons people may choose not to get vaccinated include concerns about safety and efficacy, lack of knowledge about the vaccine, and fear of needles. However, the HPV vaccine has been extensively studied and shown to be safe and effective in preventing HPV-related cancers and diseases.
The consequences of not receiving the HPV vaccine include a higher risk of developing certain types of cancer, including cervical, vaginal, and anal cancers, as well as genital warts. By getting vaccinated, individuals can protect themselves and their sexual partners from HPV-related diseases.
Conclusion
In sum, HPV can be transmitted through sexual contact, skin-to-skin contact, sharing personal items, and vertical transmission during pregnancy. To minimize the risk of getting infected with HPV, it’s important to practice safe sex, get vaccinated, and maintain good hygiene. Pregnant women should inform their healthcare provider if they have HPV to plan for appropriate management during pregnancy and delivery. By taking proactive steps to prevent HPV transmission, individuals can protect themselves and their partners from HPV-related cancers and diseases.
