HPV in men: What every man should know about HPV

You may think of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) as primarily a women's health issue, but HPV in men is more common than you might think. HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can affect anyone, regardless of gender.

While many men may not experience HPV symptoms, men can still carry and spread the virus. In some cases, HPV in men can lead to serious health issues, including genital warts and certain types of cancers.

Understanding how HPV affects men, how it's transmitted and what you can do to protect yourself is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being. Here’s what you should know about HPV in men.

Symptoms of HPV in men

Most men with HPV are asymptomatic, meaning they will never develop symptoms. Unfortunately, there is also no test for a man to check his overall HPV status.

Many times, men only become aware of the infection after a secondary problem develops. The most common symptom is genital warts—a raised, flat, cauliflower-looking lesion on the penis, testicles, groin or thighs—which can be frozen off with cryotherapy.

How is HPV spread?

HPV is passed through genital contact, most often during vaginal or anal sex, but it can also be passed through oral sex. The odds of spreading HPV increase with casual sex practices or multiple sex partners.

There is no guaranteed way to prevent the spread of the virus, as even condoms and other devices are not fully protective. Most HPV viruses are found in the scrotal area of the male, not on the penis. Therefore, even a person with only one lifetime sex partner can get HPV if their partner was infected with the virus from a prior sexual partner.

Cancers caused by HPV in men

There are several types of cancers that HPV can cause in men. Here are a few warning signs of anal cancer, penile cancer, and head and neck cancer to look for.

Anal cancer in men

Common symptoms of anal cancer include:

• Bleeding, pain, itching and discharge
• Swollen lymph nodes in the anal or groin area
• A change in bowel habits or shape of the stool

Penile cancer in men

Symptoms of penile cancer to be aware of include:

• Change in color
• Skin thickening
• Development of a mass of tissue on the penis
• Late stages: a growth or sore on the penis

Head and neck cancer in men

Head and neck cancers can cause the following symptoms:

• Constant sore throat
• Ear pain
• Constant coughing
• Pain or trouble swallowing or breathing
• Weight loss
• Hoarseness
• Lump or mass in the neck

Tests for HPV in men

So, how do men know if they have HPV? Unfortunately, there is no test HPV test specifically for men. Unlike women, who can be screened for HPV through a Pap smear or HPV DNA test, men do not have a standardized test to detect HPV. For men, HPV is usually diagnosed if visible symptoms, such as genital warts, are present.

Treatment for HPV in men

Treatment for HPV in men typically focuses on managing symptoms, as there is no cure for the virus itself. If genital warts are present, they can be treated through various methods.

Over-the-counter topical medications are available, but your doctor may recommend stronger prescription creams or ointments for more effective treatment. In some cases, procedures like cryotherapy (freezing the warts), laser therapy, surgical removal or electrocautery (burning off the warts) may be necessary to remove visible warts.

It's important to note that while treatment can remove visible HPV symptoms in men, it does not eliminate the virus from your body. HPV may remain dormant and potentially cause future outbreaks or spread to others.

For HPV-related conditions beyond genital warts, such as pre-cancerous cell changes in the anal area, your doctor may recommend closer monitoring or specific treatments. This could include procedures to remove or destroy abnormal cells to prevent the development of cancer.

Regular check-ups are crucial for men at higher risk of HPV-related cancers, including those with weakened immune systems. The HPV vaccine is also an essential preventive measure, as it can protect against the most high-risk strains of the virus that are associated with genital warts and certain cancers. While the vaccine is most effective when administered before exposure to the virus, it can still provide benefits for men who are already sexually active.

HPV vaccine for men

The best way to prevent HPV or HPV-related cancers is by getting the HPV vaccine, which is recommended for all boys and girls around age 11 or 12. If you did not get vaccinated as a child, you can still receive the HPV vaccine up until age 26, according to HPV guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In some cases, men aged 27 to 45 may also benefit from the vaccine, depending on their HPV risk factors. It’s important to talk to your doctor about your individual risk factors.

Vaccination not only protects individuals from the most dangerous strains of HPV but also helps reduce the spread of the virus to others. The available HPV vaccines are safe and have been shown to be highly effective in preventing the types of HPV most likely to cause health problems.

By getting vaccinated, you can play an important role in reducing the overall spread of HPV and protecting your own health in the long term.

Do you have questions or concerns about HPV? Find a doctor to partner with you toward better health.