Regardless of whether you are sexually active or not, you must be knowing about the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). While most of the times HPV is pretty harmless, in some cases it can lead to genital warts and cervical cancer. These conditions are definitely not something you want to gamble on and so, you would always want to practice safe sex. But did you know that you can get HPV even without sex? Is it possible? We tell you how!

From Doctor's Clinic

A study published in the journal Sexual Health found that HPV can be transmitted not just from penetrative sex but also from seemingly safe places like your doctor's office. If the doctor's examining table has not been cleaned properly, you could be at risk. So avoid wearing super-short shorts that leave room for accidental lady-bit exposure. That said, doctors’ offices should be diligently cleaning all instruments and exam rooms between patients, so you are less likely to encounter the risk there.

From the Gym

Gyms and locker rooms are not always as clean as we would like to hope. When you are at the gym, wipe your equipment before and after use. Always be sure to place a towel before you lay down on the sauna or the steam room. Bumps on the Vagina – Is It Razor Rash or STD? 3 Signs It’s a Sexually Transmitted Disease. 

From His Junk

Even if you are not having full-blown penetrative sex, you can get HPV just by touching your guy's junk.  Scientists found that transmission happened from hands to genitals (think: masturbation, fooling around with a partner, or even just touching the general genital area). HPV Virus Causes 99% of Cervical Cancers! Is HPV Test More Accurate Than Pap Smear in Cancer Screening?

From Sex Toys

Sharing sex toys with an infected person without disinfecting first can also give you HPV so you would always want to use your own. However, be sure to clean the toy before and after use. You surely do not want to insert a germy object, the next time you pleasure yourself. Electric Toothbrush as Sex Toy? Crazy Household Things People Have Used As Vibrators for Mastrubation. 

If however, you contract HPV despite taking the necessary precautions, the most effective way of preventing HPV from becoming cervical cancer is routine gynaecologist check-ups. Pap smears can identify any abnormal cell changes on the cervix, and HPV tests can identify infection or recent infection with human papillomavirus.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 20, 2019 01:08 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).