Even though the human papillomavirus (HPV) is a highly common sexually transmitted disease, there’s still a ton of confusion about how it spreads.
One of the most common questions is who are the main carriers of HPV, whether it’s men or women. We’re here to explain who’s more likely to transmit the virus.
Índice
Who is the main carrier of HPV?
Both men and women can carry HPV and pass it on. The contagion rate of this virus is so high that many researchers have pointed out that 80% of sexually active people could contract it at some point in their lives.
Although various researchers have also conducted studies on the prevalence of HPV in men or women, there isn’t any conclusive study. Most agree that both have the same risk of infection.
You could consider men as the main carriers of HPV since there’s no FDA-approved test to detect the disease. So, they can only know they have the active virus when they show lesions.
HPV is typically transmitted through genital sexual contact. If a woman is carrying the virus, the man has a higher risk of getting infected through oral or genital sex.
Some types of high-risk HPV are a risk factor for both men and women to develop cancer in the cervix, vagina, vulva, throat, penis, or anus.
The types of HPV that often cause anogenital infections in men are 6, 11, 16, and 18. HPV strains 16 and 18 are the main culprits behind the abnormal cells that lead to penile and anal cancer.
As for women, most patients with cervical cancer caused by HPV are due to strain 16 or 18.
How is HPV transmitted?
HPV is transmitted through skin and mucous membrane contact, usually through sexual contact (oral, vaginal, or anal) with a person carrying the virus. Transmission can occur even if the infected person shows no symptoms.
There are different types of the virus, which are grouped depending on the risk they can pose. It infects genital areas (both internal and external), mouth, and throat.
For HPV transmission, penetration during sexual intercourse isn’t the only requirement, it can also be skin-to-skin contact. There’s no restriction on sex; it can be transmitted from men to women or in same-sex relationships.
Infection is more common in people with multiple partners or those who practice high-risk sex. The virus’s transmissibility rate also depends on early initiation of sexual activity and a weak immune system.
To avoid infection, it’s crucial to get a medical checkup regularly, avoid high-risk sexual practices, and mainly use a condom in all your sexual relations.
You also have the option to get vaccinated against HPV, so you can protect yourself from new infections by different strains of this virus.
One way to protect yourself and your partner against HPV is by getting informed about this virus and understanding how it spreads. That way, we can identify risks and know how to react in any situation.
These were some tips to help you know how to deal with HPV. However, there is much more you need to do if you really want to get rid of HPV and warts forever.
What you need to do is GET RID OF THE ROOT of the problem.
For that reason, I recommend you to look into Dr. Kirkland's story and how he was able to cure HPV and get rid of warts for good.
I wish you great success in your recovery!
Frequently asked questions
Can HPV be non sexually transmitted?
Yes, HPV can be passed on in non-sexual ways. For example, there’s a slim chance you can get HPV from deep kissing where a lot of spit is swapped. HPV can also be spread if you touch a surface that’s infected with the virus, and it can cause warts on your hands later on.
How likely is the transmission of HPV?
The HPV virus is super contagious, so there’s a good chance it’ll spread.
Are you always infectious with HPV?
Yes, if you have HPV, you’ll always be contagious to others. Doesn’t matter if you use a condom during sex, you’ll still pass on the virus, since it’s skin-to-skin contact that spreads it… even if there’s no penetration.
Can HPV be spread by hands?
Since the HPV virus is super contagious, it can be spread through your hands if you have warts on them. It’s always a good idea to get rid of any warts you have, so you don’t end up passing it on to your loved ones.
Sources:
- https://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv.htm
- https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/stds-hiv-safer-sex/hpv
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2600292/
Medically reviewed by Dr. Amy Wilson. Dr. Amy Wilson, born in the United States, obtained her medical degree from Lincoln University School of Medicine. Specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, she’s dedicated 15 years to women’s health, becoming a distinguished gynecologist and serving in various U.S. medical institutions.