Overview
You might assume that Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is mainly a concern for women, but HPV in men is far more common than many realize. As one of the most prevalent Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), HPV can affect people of any gender. While HPV often causes no symptoms in men, they can still transmit the virus to others. In some cases, it can lead to serious health complications, including genital warts and an increased risk of certain cancers. Knowing how HPV impacts men, how it spreads, and how to reduce your risk is essential for safeguarding your health. Here’s what every man should understand about HPV.
What is HPV in Men
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of viruses that cause abnormal skin growths, such as warts, on the skin and mucous membranes. Some strains are sexually transmitted and spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex, as well as close skin-to-skin contact. Many people with HPV have no symptoms but can still spread the virus.
While HPV is often linked to cervical cancer in women, it can also lead to cancers of the penis, anus, throat, and mouth in men. Other HPV types cause common warts (hands/fingers), plantar warts (feet), and flat warts (face or legs).
How Common is HPV in Men?
A recent study published in The Lancet Global Health reveals that nearly one in three men over the age of 15 carry at least one type of genital human papillomavirus (HPV), while one in five are infected with high-risk, or oncogenic, HPV strains. These findings highlight how common genital HPV infections are among men and underscore the need to include them in efforts to control HPV and lower the prevalence of HPV-related diseases in both men and women.
Cause of HPV in Men?
HPV infection occurs when the virus enters the body, typically through tiny cuts, abrasions, or breaks in the skin. It spreads primarily through skin-to-skin contact, but different types of HPV are transmitted in different ways:
Common warts (hands, fingers) and plantar warts (feet) often spread in public showers, locker rooms, or swimming pools. Genital warts are transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex, as well as intimate skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.
1. Age
- Children are more prone to common warts.
- Teens and young adults (15-25) have the highest rates of genital HPV, often within 10 years of first sexual activity.
2. Sexual Behavior
- Multiple sexual partners increase exposure risk.
- Sex with someone who has had multiple partners raises transmission chances.
- Men who have sex with men (MSM) face a higher risk of anal HPV and related cancers.
3. Weakened Immune System
- A strong immune system often clears HPV naturally. However, conditions like HIV, diabetes, or long-term steroid use weaken immunity, making it harder to fight off infections.
4. Skin Breaks or Irritation
- Cuts, abrasions, or tears in the skin (even microscopic ones) make it easier for HPV to enter the body.
- Friction during sex may create tiny openings that allow viral transmission.
5. Lack of Vaccination
- Unvaccinated men are at higher risk for high-risk HPV strains linked to genital warts and cancers.
Symptoms of HPV in Men
Most HPV infections cause no symptoms and clear on their own. When symptoms appear, they may include:
- Genital warts – Small, flesh-colored bumps or clusters on the penis, scrotum, groin, thighs, or anus.
- Anal changes – Itching, bleeding, pain, or unusual discharge (linked to anal cancer).
- Penile changes – Sores, discoloration, or thickening of the skin (possible signs of penile cancer).
- Throat issues – Persistent sore throat, hoarseness, or swallowing problems (linked to throat cancer).
High-risk HPV strains may cause cancer over time, but symptoms often appear only in later stages. Regular check-ups are recommended if risks are high.
How is HPV transmitted?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) can be transmitted through various routes. Firstly, genital-to-genital contact is a common mode of transmission, which may involve the vulva, vagina, anus, or penis. Additionally, oral-genital contact can occur, including mouth-to-vulva, mouth-to-penis, or mouth-to-anus exposure. Moreover, hand-genital transmission is possible when hands that have touched an infected area come into contact with the genitals.
Another less common route is vertical transmission, where HPV is passed from a birthing person to the baby during delivery. Although rare, the virus can also be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. Finally, self-infection may occur if the virus is transferred from an infected area to another part of the body by touch.
Overall, HPV is primarily spread through direct skin-to-skin contact, but other transmission routes, though less frequent, should also be considered.
Cancers caused by HPV in Men
Several types of cancers caused by HPV in men have identifiable warning signs. In anal cancer, symptoms such as bleeding, pain, itching, and discharge are often observed, along with swollen lymph nodes in the anal or groin area and changes in bowel habits or stool shape. For penile cancer, changes in color, skin thickening, and the development of a mass of tissue on the penis may be noticed, with late stages presenting as a growth or sore. Head and neck cancers can be indicated by a constant sore throat, ear pain, persistent coughing, difficulty swallowing or breathing, weight loss, hoarseness, or a lump in the neck. These symptoms should be monitored closely. (🔗)
Tests for HPV in Men
There is no FDA-approved HPV test for men. However, doctors may check for HPV-related issues through:
- Visual exams for warts or lesions
- Acetic acid tests (less reliable) to spot abnormal tissue
- Biopsies of suspicious growths to detect HPV or cancer
- Anal Pap tests (for high-risk men) to screen for abnormal cells
- HPV DNA tests (in research settings) from penile, anal, or throat swabs
Most HPV infections clear without symptoms. Testing usually occurs only if warts, sores, or precancerous changes appear. The HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9) and safe sex help prevent infection. Men with persistent symptoms should see a doctor.
Treatment for HPV in Men
HPV treatment in men focuses on symptom management since the virus itself has no cure. Genital warts, a common symptom, can be treated with prescription creams, freezing (cryotherapy), laser therapy, or surgical removal. While these methods clear visible warts, they don’t eliminate HPV, which may stay dormant and resurface. For precancerous cell changes, doctors may monitor closely or remove abnormal tissue to prevent cancer. Regular check-ups are vital for high-risk men, especially those with weakened immune systems. The HPV vaccine helps protect against cancer-causing strains, even for sexually active men, though it works best before virus exposure. Prevention and early detection remain key. (🔗)
How can you prevent HPV?
The best way to lower your HPV risk is through vaccination. The HPV vaccine protects against cancer-causing strains and genital warts, and while it’s most effective when given before sexual activity, it can still benefit men up to age 45.
While condoms and dental dams don’t provide full protection (since HPV spreads through skin-to-skin contact), using them correctly every time you have vaginal, anal, or oral sex can significantly reduce transmission risk. For optimal protection, combine vaccination with safe sex practices.
End Note
The most effective way to reduce your risk of HPV is by getting vaccinated. The HPV vaccine helps prevent strains that cause cancer and genital warts. While it’s most beneficial when administered before sexual activity begins, it can still offer protection for men up to age 45.
Although condoms and dental dams don’t completely eliminate the risk—since HPV spreads through skin-to-skin contact—using them properly every time you engage in vaginal, anal, or oral sex can greatly lower the chances of transmission. For the best protection, pair vaccination with safe sex practices.
