Which statement is true regarding HPV infection and condylomata acuminata?

• A. HPV can be transmitted through oral sex
• B. Metronidazole
• C. Condoms completely eliminate risk of transmission
• D. HPV cannot be transmitted during oral sex

Answer: (D)

The key idea is how HPV spreads. HPV is transmitted by skin-to-skin contact with infected areas, including during oral-genital contact. This means that performing oral sex can pass HPV from one partner to another and can lead to infection in the genital area or in the oropharyngeal region. Condoms reduce exposure by covering part of the genital surfaces, but they don’t cover all skin that can harbor the virus, so transmission can still occur even with condom use. Metronidazole is an antibiotic used for bacterial infections such as bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis and has no effect on HPV. Therefore, the statement that HPV can be transmitted during oral sex is true, while the idea that it cannot be transmitted orally or that condoms completely eliminate risk is not accurate.