Throughout adolescence we are taught to use condoms to avoid contracting sexually transmitted diseases.
Research now suggests some STDs still are easily transmittable even with a condom.
Intercourse is not necessary. People can contract HPV by touching lesions on an infected person's body. However, lesions are not restricted to the genitals, which is why condoms are only partially effective at providing protection, said Kathryn A. Fort, a nurse practitioner for University of Utah Health and Wellness Services. The only way to avoid contracting HPV is by abstaining from any sexual contact. Fort said little is known about HPV, so a vaccine has not been developed.