Hpv also called the human papillomavirus consists of a group of 100 different kinds or types of viruses and these different types can result in a number of different diseases based on the kind of hpv. The hpv virus can cause warts that include genital warts, changes of precancerous nature and even cancer. Hpv transmission occurs through direct skin contact.

Hpv transmission can occur when contact is made with something that is contaminated with this virus and then this touches the skin. In most cases the transmission takes place from another person. Genital hpv infection is often spread by way of sexual contact and so it is considered as a sexually transmitted infection.

The hpv types affecting the genital areas are transmitted mainly by way of skin to skin contact that occurs during sex. So hpv transmission takes place when a person who is infected rubs against the skin of someone who is not infected. Most of the hpv cases are caused when transmission takes placed through intercourse including vaginal and anal contact.

In some cases the hpv transmission can occur through oral sex. Around 30 to 40 kinds of hpv can be transmitted through genital contact. The transmission of this infection can be prevented to some extent by using a condom. However this may not completely prevent the transmission simply because the condom does not prevent all kinds of skin contact.

Hpv transmission in the case of genital hpv is higher when a new sexual partner is involved. In some rare cases a pregnant woman may pass on the hpv infection to the newborn child in vaginal delivery. Transmission of genital hpv infection is not likely through seats of dwellings that are humid and the floor in countries having high level of hygiene.

Hpv transmission cannot occur through blood and the most common way of transmission if when skin to skin contact is made with scrotum, vulva, vagina, anus or penis of the infected person. This infection is normally acquired at a very young age in sexual debut. As many as 66% individuals having sexual contact with an individual infected with genital warts end up developing warts themselves. This can happen within three months following the contact.

In some rare cases pregnant women having genital warts tend to transmit this infection to the newborn child and such a child may get warts within their throats. This can be a life threatening condition. Even if the genital warts in some cases go away the hpv virus may lie dormant within the body and associated symptoms may return later.