How is HPV Transmitted?

"How to treat HPV-associated diseases?" and "How is HPV transmitted?" and other problems pertaining to HPV are frequent subjects of discussions on medical sites and forums. HPV (Human papilloma virus) is known to be an extremely propagated virus all over the world.  This virus can be passed from one person to another through any contact with the skin or mucosa. Since HPV is a highly infectious virus, the frequency of HPV–related conditions, particularly papillomas and condylomas, is continually growing.

The central subject in the question "How is HPV transmitted?" is the contamination during sexual contacts. Worldwide, HPV is recognized to be among the most prevalent infections spread through sexual intercourse. In case this virus infects genital organs it is able to induce abnormal cell transformations which may show themselves as warts or dyspasia. In a good number of cases HPV infection does not cause evident symptoms and HPV-positive persons typically transmit it unsuspectingly. The use of condoms can reduce the risk of infection, but it does not guarantee an absolute protection. 

Sometimes, it is unexpected for the people inquiring "How is HPV transmitted?" to find out that HPV is likely to be passed through oral contacts. The transmission frequently happens throughout oral contact with genitalia.  It has been revealed that most cases of oral HPV infection are caused by genital HPV strains. In addition, it is also probable that HPV can be transmitted by mouth-to-mouth contacts. At the same time, oral HPV-related diseases develop infrequently because the oral cavity has a good immune protection against viral and bacterial infections.

It is possible that genital HPV infection may by passed from HPV-positive mother to the newborn at the time of childbirth. In such cases HPV may contaminate the oral cavity or larynx of the child, and if the virus does not go away for a long time, it can induce such disease as laryngeal papillomatosis. Though, children exposed to HPV at the time of delivery seldom develop dangerous diseases. In any case, it would be worthwhile for a pregnant woman with genital HPV infection to discuss the question "How is HPV transmitted?" with her doctor.