What are the transmission routes of HPV infection?

Jan 25, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, HPV virus refers to human papillomavirus. Transmission routes of human papillomavirus infection include sexual contact, indirect contact, iatrogenic infection, mother-to-child transmission, and close skin contact. It is advisable to maintain genital cleanliness and dryness, change underwear regularly, and avoid sharing personal items with others, such as towels and bath towels.

Generally speaking, HPV virus refers to human papillomavirus. Transmission routes of human papillomavirus infection include sexual contact transmission, indirect contact transmission, iatrogenic infection, mother-to-child transmission, and close skin contact. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Sexual Contact Transmission

This is the main route of human papillomavirus infection. The virus can be transmitted through direct genital contact, especially when there are mucosal or skin lesions in sexual partners, making it easier for the virus to invade.

2. Indirect Contact Transmission

Human papillomavirus can survive for a period of time after leaving the human body. Therefore, it can be transmitted through contact with virus-contaminated objects, such as towels, bathrobes, underwear, and toilet seats. Although the infection rate via this route is relatively low, vigilance is still required.

3. Iatrogenic Infection

During medical procedures, such as gynecological examinations, childbirth, and surgeries, if medical instruments or tools that have not been strictly disinfected are used, this may also lead to the transmission of human papillomavirus. Improper protection by medical staff during treatment and care may also lead to self-infection or transmission from medical staff to patients.

4. Mother-to-Child Transmission

If a pregnant woman is infected with human papillomavirus, during childbirth the virus may be transmitted to the newborn through the birth canal, causing infection of the infant's oral cavity, nasal mucosa, or genital tract.

5. Close Skin Contact

Direct close skin contact is also a route of human papillomavirus transmission. For example, during intimate behaviors such as kissing and hugging, if one partner carries the human papillomavirus, the other may become infected through minor skin or mucosal injuries.

In daily life, it is important to maintain cleanliness and dryness of the genital area, regularly change underwear, avoid sharing personal items such as towels and bathrobes with others, and avoid unclean sexual practices. Practicing good sexual hygiene and using condoms can reduce the risk of infection to some extent.

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What are the symptoms of HPV infection?

In general, HPV virus refers to human papillomavirus. Symptoms of human papillomavirus infection may include skin warts, genital warts, oral lesions, cervical lesion-related symptoms, anal lesions, and others. If you experience any discomfort or have concerns, it is recommended to seek timely medical consultation for relevant examinations. Most human papillomavirus infections are asymptomatic and may not present clinical manifestations during the incubation period.

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Is HPV virus the same as AIDS?

Under normal circumstances, HPV virus is not AIDS. HPV (Human Papillomavirus) belongs to the papillomavirus family and is a double-stranded circular DNA virus. Its viral particles consist of a protein capsid and a single-copy viral genomic DNA core, without an envelope, and have an icosahedral symmetric structure. In contrast, the AIDS virus (HIV) belongs to the lentivirus genus of the retrovirus family.