Can Human Papillomavirus (HPV) be transmitted through non-sexual means?

From the Guidelines

Yes, you can get HPV through non-sexual contact, although sexual transmission is the most common route of infection. According to the study published in MMWR Recommendations and Reports in 2007 1, genital HPV infection can be transmitted by nonsexual routes, but this is uncommon. Nonsexual routes of genital HPV transmission include transmission from a mother to a newborn baby during childbirth, as mentioned in the study 1. Additionally, the 2010 study published in MMWR Recommendations and Reports 1 notes that HPV can be spread through genital contact, most often during vaginal and anal sexual contact, but also through oral sexual contact.

Key Points to Consider

• HPV is extremely common, with most sexually active people contracting at least one strain during their lifetime 1
• Many infections clear on their own within two years, but some strains can persist and cause health problems like genital warts or certain cancers 1
• Prevention methods include HPV vaccination (recommended for preteens before sexual activity begins), using barrier methods during sexual contact, and regular screening tests like Pap smears for women 1
• The only definitive method to avoid giving and getting HPV infection and genital warts is to abstain from sexual activity 1

Important Considerations

• Correct and consistent male condom use might lower the chances of giving or getting genital HPV, but such use is not fully protective, because HPV can infect areas that are not covered by a condom 1
• Sexually active persons can lower their chances of getting HPV by limiting their number of partners, but HPV is common and often goes unrecognized; persons with only one lifetime sex partner can have the infection 1

From the Research

Non-Sexual Transmission of HPV

• HPV can be transmitted through non-sexual means, including:
  • Vertical transmission from mother to child during childbirth 2, 3, 4
  • Horizontal transmission through skin-to-skin or skin-to-mucosa contact, including:
    • Fomites (inanimate objects that can carry the virus) 2, 3
    • Self-inoculation (transferring the virus from one part of the body to another) 2
    • Close contact with an infected person 3
• Non-sexual transmission can occur in various settings, including:
  • At birth, through contact with infected maternal genital mucosa or amniotic fluid 2, 3
  • Through contact with contaminated medical equipment, even after standard disinfection 2, 3

Evidence for Non-Sexual Transmission

• Studies have detected HPV DNA in various environments, including:
  • Water environments, although waterborne transmission has not been demonstrated 2
  • Contaminated medical equipment, such as transvaginal ultrasound probes and colposcopes 3
• Epidemiological and clinical data support the possibility of non-sexual transmission, particularly in infants, children, and adults who have not been sexually active 3

Prevention and Screening

• Vaccination against HPV can prevent infection and reduce the risk of related diseases, including cervical cancer 5, 6, 4
• Screening for HPV and cervical cancer is essential for early detection and treatment, particularly in women who have not been vaccinated or have been sexually active 6