Human Papillomavirus: How It Appears and How It Is Transmitted

Human papillomavirus is a large group of viruses that affect the skin and mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, vagina, and anus. In most people it causes no problems, and a person may be unaware of being a carrier for years. Let us explain how the virus appears, how it is transmitted, and what this means for both partners.

What human papillomavirus is and how common it is

HPV is not a single virus but a group of more than 100 types, according to other data more than 170 or even 200 related viruses. Some types can cause genital warts, and some high-risk oncogenic types, with long-term carriage, are associated with cancer of the cervix, anus, penis, vulva, vagina, and some types of head and neck cancer. At the same time, in most infected people the immune system controls the virus, and it clears on its own within about two years.

The prevalence of HPV is very high: about 85% of sexually active women and 90% of sexually active men become infected during their lifetime. Almost all sexually active people encounter the virus soon after becoming sexually active. About 660 million people worldwide are already infected.

How HPV appears: main routes of infection

The virus is transmitted through any skin contact in the genital area, during vaginal, anal, or oral sex, and also through sharing sex toys. Penetrative intercourse is not required for infection. The virus enters through microcracks in the skin that form naturally from dryness or minor injuries, so a condom reduces the risk but does not fully protect — it does not cover all the skin around the genitals.

• Skin-to-skin contact in the genital area
• Vaginal, anal, or oral sex
• Sharing sex toys
• Household route — through touch, shared items in bathhouses, swimming pools, gyms

Where the virus comes from and why many people have it

HPV is extremely resistant to antiseptics and can persist on objects for some time, so infection is possible not only through mucous membranes but also through the skin and even by touching objects with viral particles. Infection in itself does not prove recent sexual contact: the virus can live in the body for many years without manifesting and be detected years after infection. This is precisely why HPV is so widespread — it is easy to catch and hard to notice the moment of infection.

Can HPV be present in only one partner

Yes, this happens, and it does not indicate infidelity. The virus can be present in one partner's body for years without causing symptoms and be detected only in that person during examination. Even in couples where one partner is infected, with condom use and avoidance of oral sex, about 10% of couples experience transmission of the virus within six months — usually through microcracks on the skin of the hands when touching the genitals. For a couple, this is a reason to discuss the situation calmly without mutual accusations.

Autoinoculation: is self-infection possible

Autoinoculation is the transfer of the virus from one part of the body to another in the same person. This mechanism is possible with shaving and epilation: the virus can be transferred from one area to another. This is another reason why the appearance of warts is not necessarily linked to a new sexual contact.

When HPV becomes a reason for examination and a doctor's visit

There is no specific treatment for HPV infection itself, but its consequences — warts and cell changes — are treatable. HPV testing is part of cervical cancer screening: women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 are offered cervical screening, during which a small sample of cervical cells is taken and tested for the virus. There is no blood test for HPV. A doctor may also offer colposcopy to check for changed cells. Reasons to visit a doctor include visible warts or changes in the genital area, as well as a screening result that requires clarification.

Carrying HPV in itself is not a reason to call emergency services; 103/112 — for a life-threatening condition when a person suddenly becomes seriously unwell.

This material is for reference: it helps to understand where the virus comes from and what it means for a couple, but it does not replace a doctor's consultation, who will assess your specific situation.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer