Human Papillomavirus infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection.
It is transmitted by close contact with skin or mucous membranes and most commonly by sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal, oral).
Less commonly, transmission is possible by sharing towels, clothes or sexual aids.
Most people who are sexually active become infected with HPV without even knowing it, because they show no symptoms.
It is detected by a gynaecologist taking a smear for HPV during a gynaecological examination.