• HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
  • Disease Issues

Can human papillomavirus (HPV) be transmitted by non-sexual transmission routes, such as clothing, undergarments, sex toys, or surfaces?

Nonsexual HPV transmission is theoretically possible but has not been definitively demonstrated. This is mainly because HPV can’t be cultured, and DNA detection from the environment is difficult and likely prone to false negative results.

Last reviewed: March 2, 2024
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