You Have a 20 Percent Chance of Getting HPV from an Infected Partner

Monday, 10/24/2011 at 10:46:24 AM

Did you know that a whopping 75 percent of sexually active Americans get the Human papillomavirus (HPV) at some time in their lives, and 5.5 million new cases occur yearly? Yep, and up until now, researchers weren't sure how frequently HPV actually transmits. But a new study has found that for heterosexual couples, there's a 20 percent chance you or your partner will pick up HPV within six months.

The study, which was published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases, found that there was no difference between male-to-female transmission rates and female-to-male transmission rates, meaning that you can give it to or get it from your partner. Researchers also found no association between the number of sexual partners in a person's past and their chances of picking up HPV from a current partner.

Researchers say that more study is needed to better understand the length of HPV infections and other factors that affect how HPV spreads. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted virus in the U.S. and infects the genitals of both males and females. Although most cases only last a year or two, some cases of HPV can cause genital warts and lead to cervical cancer.

Does this type of research make you want to get the HPV vaccine? Why or why not?

Jennipher Walters is the CEO and co-founder of the healthy living websites FitBottomedGirls.com and FitBottomedMamas.com. A certified personal trainer, lifestyle and weight management coach and group exercise instructor, she also holds an MA in health journalism and regularly writes about all things fitness and wellness for various online publications.