How Do You Get Hpv?

How do you get HPV? Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted disease. HPV is the common virus that causes genital warts, which no individual wants to have. The transmission is through direct skin contact, so condoms will not provide complete protection from getting HPV. Individuals do not have to have sexual penetration to contract the disease. The virus can be passed though oral, anal and vaginal contact with infected individuals.

There are over 100 different types of HPV. Around one percent of individuals are infected each year with HPV. Many of these individuals have no indication of the virus even being present; this is why it is so easily spread from one sexual partner to the next. The warts can take years to show up in infected individuals.

This condition is usually a silent disease, until it continues to grow and spread. Sometimes, in infected women the warts can be present on the opening of the cervix, which is not a visible area of the body. Some women do not know they are infected until a Pap smear of the cervix is done. The human papillomavirus can cause warts on any part of an individual’s body. As one might imagine, they are not attractive looking growths.

It is important that individuals who think they may be infected with the virus seek medical attention from a healthcare provider. Infected individuals should not try to treat themselves at home. Medical healthcare providers are the only people who can make the proper diagnosis and advise individuals on proper treatment for HPV.

Resources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Family Doctor