HPV is a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
It is a highly contagious virus that spreads from skin to skin.
In addition, some types of HPV can causegenital wartsor warts elsewhere on the skin.
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That’s why it’s important to understand the various modes of transmission of these viruses.
However, people often wonder if other forms of sexual activity may also carry a risk of HPV transmission.
Can fingering or fisting without a glove might put someone at risk of HPV infection?
Still, evidence suggests you’ve got the option to get HPV from fingering.
More specifically, research has shown that it is possible to transmit HPV from the fingers to the genitals.
In addition, the HPV found there was frequently the same throw in that they were infected with genitally.
This suggests that HPV went from their fingers to their genitals or vice versa.
Repeat positive fingertip tests were rare.
Therefore, the scientists concluded that fingers were unlikely to be a major source of HPV transmission.
The risk may not be as high as through other types of transmission.
Still, it does seem that fingering can transmit HPV.
That can protect your hands from exposure to genital HPV and vice versa.
If you have long nails, gloves are still an option.
Just pad your nails with cotton balls under the gloves.
That reduces the likelihood of your nails puncturing the gloves.
Gloves are generally considered a good idea for these activities for a number of other reasons as well.
They don’t just protect against HPV.
They also reduce the transmission of other bacteria and viruses that can live under the fingernails.
Frequently Asked Questions
All warts are sparked by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
There are more than 150 different strains of the virus.
Yes, certain strains of HPV that cause genital warts can live on fingers.
Possibly, but the research is mixed.
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