You can get HPV by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus. It is most commonly spread during vaginal or anal sex. HPV can be passed even when an infected person has no signs or symptoms. Anyone who is sexually active can get HPV, even if you have had sex with only one person.

What causes genital warts without being sexually active?

You can be infected with HPV without being sexually active – as HPV spreads easily through skin-to-skin contact, it is possible to be infected with HPV without having sex. Prolonged contact with infected skin, such as holding hands, may cause transmission of the virus.

What percentage of the United States has genital warts?

A: In the United States, about 42% of adults ages 18-59 years have genital human papillomavirus (HPV) infections and about 7% have oral HPV. Experts estimate 80% of sexually active people are infected. There are 14 million new HPV infections a year.

Is genital warts for life?

Although HPV isnt curable in all cases, genital warts are treatable. You can also go extended periods of time without an outbreak, but it may not be possible to get rid of the warts forever. Thats because genital warts are only a symptom of HPV, which may become a chronic, lifelong infection for some.