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Frequently Asked Questions About the HPV Virus

If you've been reading the site, then you should understand most of the basics surrounding the HPV virus in women, but questions may still persist. We've assemble some of the more frequently asked questions about the HPV virus to help you further understand some of the finer points of the condition. If you have further questions, please leave them in the comment section of this page and we will answer them for you.

How prevalent is HPV in women?

These are a number of different statistics regarding the infestation rate of HPV in women, but all statistics make it the more common STD in the United States, potentially even the world. In the U.S. alone, it is estimated that around 20 million people are currently infected, and as many as 75 percent of those infected may not even know it. Statistics show that by the age of 50, around 80 percent of women have had an infection from the HPV virus.

What about HPV in men?

Men and women seem to get HPV at a similar rate, but men do not have nearly as many risks as women do. While these is a risk of penile cancer and anal cancer, most men will just face the normal symptoms of HPV with fewer major risks associated with the condition.

Can HPV affect my pregnancy?

In most cases, a woman with a history of HPV or a current infection will face no serious complications during her pregnancy. If you know you are infected, you should let your doctor know immediately. The only major concerns with HPV and pregnancy are the warts obstructing the vagina during childbirth and the potential for transferring the virus to the unborn child. This is rare however, and most children who inherit the virus from their mothers can be easily treated.

Can blood transfusions spread the disease?

There is no scientific evidence that gives this any ground. HPV is transmitted through skin to skin contact, and it is not carried by blood, saliva, or similar bodily fluids.

What are the statistics regarding HPV and cervical cancer?

Almost all cases of cervical cancer can be directly linked to HPV. There are around half a million tests that show precancerous cells developing in the cervix due to a previous or current infection of HPV.

Which kinds of HPV can cause cervical cancer?

There is a group of high risk types of HPV that are more commonly associated with the development of cervical cancer. Those types are HPV-16, HPV-18 (these two are the highest risk in the group), HPV-31, HPV-35, HPV-39, HPV-45, HPV-51, HPV-52, and HPV-58. HPV-16 and -18 are the two most common variations of the virus that have been linked to cancer.

What should I do if I think I have HPV?

Genital warts can be detected through your standard STD test, but most women wind up getting diagnosed during their regular pap smear thanks to the common a-symptomatic nature of the condition. If you are not currently getting recommended testing, you should talk with your doctor if you think you are in a high risk group.

Can an HPV infection develop from a toilet seat or common bathroom item?

While transmission of HPV has been documented from inanimate objects, you cannot get HPV from a toilet seat or similar public bathroom item. HPV cannot survive outside of the body for a long period of time, so there is no chance, nor have there ever been any documented cases of, HPV coming from a toilet seat.

Does sexual penetration need to occur to transmit HPV?

No. It only takes skin to skin genital contact to transmit the virus from one person to another. Sexual penetration does not need to occur.

If you think you are in a higher risk group for HPV, you should contact your doctor for further information on the condition and your testing options.