[First Lady]

Originally Posted by Rathji

I will admit I am somewhat of an uneducated dolt on this subject, but if sexual activity is the only way to get the virus, how did anyone get it in the first place?

Surely there must be some other way, even if it is a small chance.

There doesn't need to be intercourse.

How is HPV transmitted?
HPVs that infect the genital area are sexually transmitted.

HPV viruses are very common. So much so that more than 75% of women and men will have this type of infection at one point of their life or another, and between 10% and 70% of women and men have HPV at any one time. HPV is most common in young women and men who are in their late teens and early 20s.

HPV can be transmitted through skin-to-skin sexual contact, whether or not there is penetration. It can be transmitted through vaginal or anal intercourse, oral sex and mutual masturbation (genital touching). The vaginal and anal tracts are particularly susceptible to sexually-transmitted HPV and the risk of transmission is greatest during penetration without a condom. This being said, HPV is also found on parts of the body such as the vulva, scrotum and inner thighs which are not covered by a condom. It is thus possible to for partners to transmit HPV even when a condom is used.

HPV can be transmitted through vaginal sex, anal sex, oral sex, or skin-to-skin contact of the genitals.

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