Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffHPV infection occurs when the virus enters your body through a cut, abrasion or small tear in the outer layer of your skin. The virus is transferred primarily by skin-to-skin contact.
Genital HPV infections are contracted through sexual intercourse, anal sex and other skin-to-skin contact in the genital region. Some HPV infections that result in oral or upper respiratory lesions are contracted through oral sex.
Rarely a mother with an HPV infection may transmit the virus to her infant during delivery. This exposure may cause HPV infection in the baby's genitals or upper respiratory system.
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