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Can HPV Be Contracted From a Woman?

Human papilomavirus (HPV) is a viral infection that affects 20 million people in the United States. It is usually transmitted through sex, but it can also be passed through other methods. It is the most common sexually transmitted disease, and it is responsible for many reproductive cancers.

  1. How Common is HPV?

    • HPV is very common. There are over 40 types of HPV, and most sexually active people in the United States are infected or will eventually become infected.

    How Men Get HPV

    • Usually, HPV is transmitted through oral, vaginal, or anal sex. According to the CDC, gay and bisexual men are at greater risk of contracting the virus. However, men can also contract HPV through intercourse with women. HPV does not discriminate, and it can strike men or women.

    How Else is HPV Transmitted?

    • Although the vast majority of HPV transmissions occur due to sex, HPV can also be transmitted through "French" kissing, according to Dr. Maura L. Gillison of The Ohio State University. Vaginal birth and any other skin-to-skin contact can also transmit the disease. However, these latter modes of transmissions are rare.

    Symptoms of HPV

    • HPV can reside in the body for years and not show any symptoms. But when it does show symptoms, the most common are genital, oral, or anal warts.

    HPV and Sexual Cancers

    • HPV is the number-one cause of sexual cancers. It is responsible for most cases of cervical, penile, vaginal, anal, and vulvar cancers. It is also responsible for many cases of oral cancers.

    How to Protect Yourself

    • Using condoms every time you have sex is a good way to protect yourself. But it is not a surefire way since condoms do not cover the entire area of skin. For women, the best form of protection is an HPV vaccine called Gardasil. The FDA is also considering approving Gardasil for men.

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