HomeAnswersObstetrics and Gynecologycervical cancerHow does HPV virus enter apart from sex?

Apart from sex, how does HPV enter into body?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Sameer Kumar

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At May 15, 2016
Reviewed AtDecember 26, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have a doubt about the cervical cancer. I know that it is caused by HPV. What are the other channels for the entry of virus into the body apart from sex? If wife and husband both are virgin at the time of marriage and are sincere after marriage, is there any chance of getting cervical cancer?

Answered by Dr. Sameer Kumar

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Cervical cancer is caused principally by two strains of HPV (human papillomavirus) - 16 and 18. Though there are more than 400 serotypes present but only 144 have been identified till date and of these high risk types being 16, 18, 31, 33, 34, 45, 52, and 58 which constitute 90 % of cervical cancer cases. HPV commonly spreads through vaginal or anal sex. It can also pass when the infected person has no signs or symptoms. Though you have been sexually active with only one person, you can get HPV. Even a mere skin to skin contact with a HPV infected person can spread HPV. But the fact is, unless the above mentioned strains are not detected on HPV DNA studies during pap smear, it is unlikely that you shall get cervical cancer.

Even if both of you are virgin and do not have HPV still if you do not have the high risk strains, you may have other strains of HPV as commensals which with regular sex often can undergo mutation and beget high risk strains. So, the best is to get a HPV vaccination done before you undertake sexual activity ideally, else as per guidelines HPV vaccination should be given to all women between 9-45 age group irrespective of their sexual activity status.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Sameer Kumar
Dr. Sameer Kumar

Obstetrics and Gynecology

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