Human Papillomavirus: Not Just a Woman's Concern
Genital HPV transmission occurs through some form of intimate contact (CDC, 2014b). The virus can spread via intimate skin contact with an infected area, and during vaginal, oral, and anal sex (American Cancer Society [ACS], 2013). The HPV virus invades the epithelium through the basal cell layer and initiates viral cell production. Viruses released from epithelial lesions facilitate transmission (Markowitz et al., 2014).
Risk factors for HPV include multiple sex partners, having sex with someone with a history of multiple partners, initiating sex at an early age for women, and lack of circumcision. Circumcised males have lower risk for HPV (ACS, 2013). Certain contributory factors may increase the probability of persistent HPV infections, such as cigarette smoking or an immunocompromised system (American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists [ACOG], 2012).
Transmission and Risk Factors
Genital HPV transmission occurs through some form of intimate contact (CDC, 2014b). The virus can spread via intimate skin contact with an infected area, and during vaginal, oral, and anal sex (American Cancer Society [ACS], 2013). The HPV virus invades the epithelium through the basal cell layer and initiates viral cell production. Viruses released from epithelial lesions facilitate transmission (Markowitz et al., 2014).
Risk factors for HPV include multiple sex partners, having sex with someone with a history of multiple partners, initiating sex at an early age for women, and lack of circumcision. Circumcised males have lower risk for HPV (ACS, 2013). Certain contributory factors may increase the probability of persistent HPV infections, such as cigarette smoking or an immunocompromised system (American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists [ACOG], 2012).
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