(HealthDay News) — The human papillomavirus (HPV) is transmitted through sexual or skin-to-skin contact.

Because there may not be symptoms, both men and women can contract HPV without even knowing it, says the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

To reduce your risk of contracting HPV, the FDA suggests:

  • You can choose not to have sex.
  • If you have sex, limit the number of partners you have.
  • Choose a partner who has had no or few sex partners.

The effectiveness of condoms in protecting against HPV isn’t clear, the agency says.

//