Girls get HPV (Human Papillomavirus) primarily through sexual contact with someone who already has the virus.
Understanding HPV Transmission
The primary way HPV is transmitted is through skin-to-skin contact in the genital area, most often during sexual activity. This includes:
- Vaginal sex
- Anal sex
- Oral sex
According to available information, a person can have HPV and transmit it even if they show no signs or symptoms. If someone is sexually active, they can contract HPV even if they've only had one sexual partner.
| Transmission Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Vaginal Sex | Contact with the genital area of an infected partner. |
| Anal Sex | Contact with the anal area of an infected partner. |
| Oral Sex | Contact with the mouth/throat area of an infected partner with oral HPV infection. |
Important Considerations
- Asymptomatic Transmission: Many people with HPV don't know they have it because they don't experience any symptoms. This makes transmission more likely.
- Single Partner: It's possible to contract HPV even if you've only had sex with one person. They may have contracted it from a previous partner and been unaware.
