You Can Still Get HPV If You're Not Sexually Active

HPV (Human papillomavirus) is a virus family that contains more than 200 related viruses. While some varieties cause innocuous skin warts, others can result in major health issues such as genital warts and even cancer. It is most usually transmitted during unprotected intercourse.

HPV is divided into two types: low-risk and high-risk versions.

1. Low-risk varieties, such as HPV 6 and 11, can cause genital warts or minor alterations in cervical cells but are not associated with cancer.

2. High-risk strains, such as HPV 16 and 18, cause roughly two-thirds of cervical cancer cases.

High-risk HPV types can also lead to cancers of the anus, vulva, vagina, penis, and even the throat. Despite these risks, many HPV infections are asymptomatic, meaning they don’t cause visible signs like warts or noticeable health issues, making the virus incredibly hard to detect without regular medical checkups.

It certainly can.

HPV does not necessarily require close contact to spread. It can spread by simple skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. Even if a person has no symptoms, they might still carry and spread the virus.

Swimming pools, gym floors, and locker rooms are all examples of public locations where the virus might live. HPV flourishes in warm, humid conditions, making them perfect for transmission. Sharing personal goods, such as towels, razors, or sports equipment, can also help transmit the infection.

A now-viral TikTok highlights this risk. A woman claimed she contracted HPV after picking up confetti from the floor at a concert. While such cases are rare, experts agree that HPV can spread via contaminated surfaces. They call it the “fomite transmission” – the spreading of disease through touch – is a common culprit.

One of the most challenging aspects of HPV is its delayed onset of symptoms. While many people never develop noticeable signs, others may experience symptoms weeks, months, or even years after being infected.

Common symptoms include genital warts, which can be flat, raised, or clustered, resembling a cauliflower-like appearance. In some cases, HPV causes cellular changes in the cervix, which can be detected through routine Pap smears.

However, the lack of symptoms in many cases means that individuals can unknowingly carry and spread the virus, underscoring the importance of regular health screenings.

For now, there is no cure for HPV. The good news is that most HPV infections are temporary, with about 90% clearing naturally within one to two years as the immune system fights off the virus.

However, during the time that the virus is present, it remains contagious. Even if visible symptoms like warts have disappeared, the virus can still be transmitted to others.

Practicing good hygiene is crucial. Avoid sharing personal items, keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered, and wear footwear in public showers or locker rooms to reduce your exposure. While condoms don’t provide complete protection against HPV, they do lower the risk significantly.