HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infections are most commonly transmitted through sexual contact. There is also perinatal transmission, which refers to the passage from mother to baby during childbirth. Transmission from surfaces or shared items is a debated topic. Most often, it is transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sexual intercourse. The virus is passed from an infected person to another through sexual contact. There is also a risk of transmission through skin-to-skin contact.

For example, touching the skin of an infected person or sharing commonly used items can contribute to the spread of infection. The risk of HPV transmission can be reduced by condom use, but it does not provide complete protection. Usually, people infected with HPV do not show obvious symptoms, so regular screening tests and preventive vaccines are important.

Sexual Transmission

I. Routes of Transmission

• HPV infection is most commonly transmitted through sexual contact.
• The risk of transmission increases with vaginal, anal, or oral contact during sexual intercourse.
• The virus is transmitted from the skin, mucous membranes, or lesions of the infected person to a healthy person.

II. Factors Affecting Transmission Risk

• The number of sexual partners and their history affect the risk of transmission.
• The age at which sexual activity begins and unprotected sex increase the risk.
• The state of the immune system affects the risk of infection.
• Other sexually transmitted infections also increase the risk of HPV transmission.

III. Other Routes of Transmission

• HPV can also be transmitted through close skin contact before sexual activity.
• Although transmission from shared areas (sauna, bath) or sharing personal items is debated, it is possible for the virus to be transmitted.

IV. Prevention Methods

• Condom use can reduce the risk of HPV transmission, but does not provide full protection.
• Condoms may not completely cover all infected skin areas, allowing the virus to pass.
• Regular screening tests and HPV vaccines are important in preventing infection.

V. Sexual Health Education and Communication

• Knowing about sexual health education and prevention methods is important.
• Open communication between sexual partners is necessary to reduce the risk of infection.
• Individuals should take necessary precautions to reduce the risk of infection and protect their sexual health.

HPV Transmission During Childbirth

I. HPV Transmission During Childbirth Is Rare

• HPV transmission during childbirth is generally rare.
• Transmission usually occurs from mother to baby through the birth canal.

II. Transmission Risk Depends on the Mothers Condition

• The risk of transmission increases in cases of active genital warts or abnormal cellular changes.

III. Cesarean Delivery and Infection Risk

• A mother with an active HPV infection has a risk of transmitting the infection to her baby during childbirth.
• Cesarean delivery may be recommended to reduce transmission through the birth canal.

IV. Each Case Should Be Evaluated Individually

• Doctors evaluate each case individually when choosing the delivery method for pregnant women with HPV infection.
• The risk of infection is determined based on the mothers health, the severity of the infection, and other factors.

V. Precautions and Measures

• Pregnant women with HPV infection should stay in regular contact with their doctors to reduce the risk of infection.
• If necessary, doctors may prefer cesarean delivery.
• In all cases, the choice of delivery method should be made considering the risk of infection and the mothers health.

HPV Transmission Through Skin Contact

I. Risk of Transmission Through Skin Contact

• There is a risk of HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection being transmitted through skin contact.
• Outside of sexual contact, the virus can be transmitted through direct contact with infected skin.
• For example, touching an infected area or hands that have touched infected areas increases the risk of transmission.

II. Sharing Commonly Used Items

• The risk of HPV transmission in shared areas such as pools, saunas, and public toilets is debated, but some studies suggest there is a risk.
• Using the clothes or towels of an infected person can also cause the virus to be transmitted through the skin.

III. Measures to Reduce Transmission Through Skin Contact

• Regular hand washing and attention to hygiene rules are important.
• Using shared items personally reduces the risk of infection.
• It is recommended to limit contact with infected areas as much as possible.

IV. Measures to Prevent HPV Transmission

• Condom use: Condoms should be used to protect against sexually transmitted infections.
• HPV vaccine: The HPV vaccine provides effective protection against HPV infections and should be administered.

HPV Transmission from Shared Areas

I. Risk of HPV Transmission from Shared Areas

• It is important to remember that HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection is usually transmitted through sexual contact.
• However, it should be known that there is a rare risk of HPV transmission in shared areas.
• In shared areas such as bathrooms, saunas, and baths, the virus can be transmitted to surfaces or items that are touched.

II. Cleaning and Hygiene Measures

• It is important to emphasize that shared areas should be cleaned and disinfected regularly.
• Personal hygiene products and items should be used individually or cleaned before use.
• The use of shared items should be minimized.

III. Sexual Contact and Condom Use

• It is necessary to emphasize the importance of sexual contact as the most common route of HPV infection.
• It should be kept in mind that condom use during sexual intercourse can reduce the risk of transmission but does not provide complete protection.

IV. Awareness, Screening Tests, and HPV Vaccines

• Being aware of sexual health issues and detecting possible lesions early can help prevent the spread of infection.
• HPV vaccines are available, and you can get information from your doctor about usage protocols according to your age. Vaccination is an effective step in reducing the risk of infection.

Non-Sexual Close Contact Transmission

I. Non-Sexual Close Contact Transmission Routes

• Low-risk oncogenic types of HPV (HPV 6 and HPV 11) can be transmitted through skin contact or sharing personal items.
• Touching the skin of an infected person, kissing, or shaking hands can contribute to the spread of infection.
• Using shared towels, clothing, or other personal items also increases the risk of transmission.

II. Risk of Transmission Through Non-Sexual Contact

• The risk of transmission through non-sexual contact is generally lower than through sexual contact.
• However, transmission is possible if the virus comes into contact with fragile or irritated areas of the skin or if the infected person touches areas where the virus is present.

III. Ways to Prevent HPV Infection

• Be careful in situations involving non-sexual contact and follow personal hygiene rules.
• Limit sharing of personal items or take hygienic precautions.
• Hand hygiene is important, and surfaces that are touched should be cleaned regularly.

Infected Items and Clothing

I. Routes of HPV Transmission

• Sexual contact: The most common route of HPV infection is sexual contact.
• Infected items and clothing: Rarely, HPV can also be transmitted through the belongings or clothing of an infected person.

II. Risk of Transmission from Infected Items and Clothing

• Low risk: The risk of HPV transmission through infected items or clothing is low.
• Need for contact: HPV transmission usually requires direct skin contact with an infected person.
• Short survival time: The HPV virus does not survive long in the environment and can be inactivated by cleaning products.

III. Methods to Prevent Transmission from Infected Items and Clothing

• Limit sharing: It is important to limit the sharing of infected items and clothing.
• Personal hygiene: Following personal hygiene rules reduces the risk of infection.
• Cleaning habits: Regular cleaning and keeping items hygienic is important.

IV. Condom Use and Transmission Risk

• Ineffective measure: Measures such as condom use are not effective in reducing the risk of transmission from infected items or clothing.
• Sexual health precautions: In addition to sexual health precautions, personal hygiene and cleaning habits should also be considered to prevent HPV infections.

References:

https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/about-hpv.html

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11901-hpv-human-papilloma-virus