HPV, or Human Papillomavirus, is a virus that can cause various health issues, including genital warts and certain types of cancer, such as cervical cancer. Yes, HPV is contagious and can be transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact, most commonly during sexual activity.
Disease description:
I went for a check-up two days ago, and the doctor told me that my HPV test was positive. I got very nervous because I remember that a positive result usually means something is wrong. I'm really worried. I would like to ask, what kind of disease is HPV? Is it contagious?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhao Xiaodong
HPV, short for human papillomavirus, is a common sexually transmitted virus. It exists in many types, some of which are low-risk and may cause genital warts, while high-risk types are associated with certain serious diseases such as cervical cancer, anal cancer, and oropharyngeal cancer.
HPV is contagious and mainly spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact, especially during sexual activity. Using condoms can reduce, but not completely eliminate, the risk of infection. Besides sexual activity, other routes such as close physical contact or mother-to-child transmission (rare) may also lead to infection. Notably, many infected individuals may not develop symptoms, yet they can still transmit the virus.
HPV vaccination can prevent infection with certain types of HPV. Regular screening (such as Pap smears for women) is also an important method for early detection and prevention of HPV-related diseases. Maintaining good personal hygiene, limiting the number of sexual partners, and using protective measures can help reduce the spread of HPV.
