Thanks, Ibizan, for your response. But for further clarification (and peace of mind), I offer this scenario: Say a friend contracts HPV orally (via oral-genital route). Can she then transfer the virus onto an inanimate object, such as a glass or chapstick, and thus infect others through these now contaminated objects, assuming they can be contaminated as such? I ask for further clarification after having read that transmission can occur from contaminated underwear or a swimsuit bottom. Thanks again!