Is Human Papillomavirus contagious

Answer 1

Yes, the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is contagious.

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is like many other STDs; it is infectious and can spread from person to person, both male and female. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted STDs in the United States; it is estimated that 75% to 80% of those who are sexually active are infected. The risk of developing HPV increases with the number of sexual partners. There are over 100 strains (aka as types) of the HPV virus, which includes HPV-6, 11, 16, 18, 30, 31, 33, 35 39, 42, 43, 45, 51, 52…; the characteristics of these group types are similarly related to each other, and to the virus as a whole. Any of these 100-plus types of the virus can cause health risks, some more serious than others. The CDC reports that most individuals infected with HPV do NOT develop symptoms of the infection. An active infection without symptoms puts individuals and their partners at high risk, by allowing the infection to easily spread. Due to the lack of symptoms or NO symptoms, infected individuals can be exposed to and infected by more than one strain of the virus, putting them at even more risk.

Of those who do develop HPV, the bacterial growth can begin shortly after exposure to the virus. The different strains of HPV infect humans only; this means that HPV is not spread by humans to animals, nor is it spread by animals to humans. Most humans have an immune system that is strong enough to fight off and prevent the virus form doing excessive harm to their bodies.

The virus is spread by vaginal, rectal and oral sex; the infection can result in the following:

· HPV causes genital warts, oral cancer and/or throat cancer; throat cancer cause by HPV is more dangerous than the type caused by cigarettes. In fact, HPV causes about the same number of cases of throat cancer, as both cigarettes and alcohol do.

· HPV also causes cervical cancer; it is responsible for almost all cases if Cervical cancer. Additionally, HPV cervical cancer poses the highest risk of cervical cancer in women.

· It causes vaginal and vulvar cancers, as well as anal, penile and/or prostate cancers.

· Exposure to HPV also causes tumors of the epithelia mucous membrane and the skin.

· It also causes skin lesions that are hard to treat, and these lesions can lead to a form carcinoma.

· HPV is an insidious virus which can even cause death in some cases; it can be a secondary and final affect to some of the above stated health issues.

Of the 100-plus strains of HPV, 40% of them are easily spread by skin to skin contact; so the risk is not just in vaginal, rectal, or oral penetration or by contact/exposure to sperm, preseminal or vaginal fluids; there is also a risk in kissing or licking the vagina or penis of an infected individual. The skin and mucous membranes, including the mouth can contain infected cells, which can spread to others. Those with numerous sexual partners should be tested regularly, even if they use protection.