Swimming at public pools and spreading of HPV infection

Resolved question:

Hi doctor, I am a 16 years old female and am a virgin. I haven’t started my sexual life yet. But I have got infected with HPV. How is it possible? There is a small wart in the left side of my vaginal opening, adjacent to my hymen. I used to swim at pools with many people. Can swimming with infected people result in spreading of HPV? Or can it be spread through any other means. I suspect I have a weak immune system than others. Can it be a reason for getting affected? What are the possible practical ways to get affected with HPV, apart from having sexual intercourse with anyone? Please help me regarding this. I feel like totally lost.

Submitted: 4 Days
Category: Community

Expert:  Dr. John Fuller replied 4 Days.

It is unfortunate that you contracted HPV without having sexual intercourse. There are about 70+ strains of HPVs and all of them cause different types of symptoms including warts. However, it is unlikely to get infected with HPV and genital warts by swimming in an infected pool. Some HPV infections are transmitted by direct skin contact also. Do you remember such a situation when you had some skin to skin contact with any infected person? Anyway, your warts will become dormant and HPV will become inactive in about 2 years as your body immune system take over the viral infection. Hope my answer helps. Take care.

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