HPV, which stands for Human Papilloma Virus, is a double-stranded DNA virus from the Papillomaviridae family, a very common group of viruses with more than 100 species. The HPV virus, which adheres to the human epithelium, attacks mostly the mouth, throat and genital area, causing warts in these areas, and is also one of the biggest causes of cervical cancer.
Not every HPV type is risky. For example, HPV 16 is a type of infection that carries a risk of cancer. While HPV 16 and HPV 18 types cause cervical cancer, HPV 6 and HPV 11 cause warts on the genital organs. While the types of HPV seen on the hands, face or other parts of the body are different, the types of viruses seen in the genital area are different. A person infected with HPV may not experience any symptoms. Therefore, some tests should be performed to determine whether people are infected with HPV.
Is HPV transmitted sexually?
HPV virus, which causes cervical cancer along with genital warts in women and is among the causes of penis, scrotum and anorectal cancers in men, is usually transmitted sexually. It is known that there are over 100 types of HPV virus, also known as human pappilomavirus infection.
This virus, which is seen around the penis in men and in the external genital organ and cervix in women, after adhering to the body, settles into the cells and tends to recur condyloma, also known as genital warts, and creates lesions. HPV virus, which was previously known to be transmitted only sexually, has been proven after examinations to be transmitted even through superficial contact.
How is HPV virus transmitted in men?
A man who is infected with the HPV virus and has sexual intercourse with anyone carrying this virus has a very high risk of contracting the HPV virus. Once infected, these individuals become carriers of the HPV virus for a very long time. For any man to be an HPV carrier, he is equally contagious. It only infects the other person if it has genital warts. If there is no wart formation, there is no transmission even if the HPV virus is carriers. Burning warts with HPV treatment eliminates transmission in men.
How is HPV virus transmitted in women?
The main known way of transmission of HPV is sexual intercourse. Since it spreads through skin-to-skin contact, there is no requirement for complete incorporation. It is known that HPV infection can be transmitted from mother to baby during birth. Disease development in babies is not very common. Infection from shared toilets or objects (such as razors) is less common in women. It is not yet clear whether it can be transmitted through blood. However, some organizations around the world do not accept blood donations from HPV-infected individuals.
Can HPV be transmitted from the sink?
HPV can spread through contact in the genital area and around the anus. Relatedly, “Can HPV be transmitted from the toilet?” The answer to the question becomes important. It is extremely important to pay attention to the cleanliness of toilets and personal hygiene products. It is important to pay attention to sexual health measures against HPV infection, obtain healthy hygiene care and have regular health checks.
Is HPV transmitted by touch?
While sharing certain items can spread the HPV virus, using common areas such as toilets and shaking hands with a carrier person who does not wash his hands can also spread the HPV virus.
Is HPV transmitted through saliva?
HPV is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, not through body fluids such as semen or saliva. This happens easily through some sexual contact.
Can HPV be transmitted from washed laundry?
Shared laundry use is almost non-existent today. People are more conscious about these issues. In addition, since laundry is usually washed at high temperatures, the probability of transmitting the HPV virus to another person is extremely low.