How to recognize HPV infection in men

Genital Papillomavirus (HPV) infection is perhaps the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI), affecting most sexually active people at some point in their lives. ^{[1] X Research Source} Fortunately, although there are more than 40 strains of HPV, only a few of them pose a serious health risk. The virus may go undetected in asymptomatic men and may lie dormant for years before causing problems. Therefore, regular health checkups are extremely important for people who have been and are sexually active. Most HPV infections go away on their own. However, it is important to talk to your doctor about your symptoms to screen for HPV cancer.

Table of Contents

Know the signs and symptoms of HPV

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Understand how HPV is transmitted. HPV can be transmitted through genital skin-to-skin contact. This contact can occur during vaginal, anal, hand-to-genital, genital-to-genital contact without penetration. , and (in rare cases) oral delivery. ^{[2] X Research Source}^{[3] X Research Source} HPV can stay in the body for years without causing this symptom. This means you can still carry the virus even if you haven’t had sex recently or if you’ve only had sex with one person. ^{[4] X Trusted Source Centers for Disease Contrp and Prevention Go to source}

HPV is not spread by shaking hands or by contact with inanimate objects such as toilet seats (except for shared sex toys). The virus is not transmitted through the air. ^{[5] X Research Sources}
Condoms do not completely protect you from HPV, but they can help reduce your risk of infection. ^{[6] X Trusted Source Centers for Disease Contrp and Prevention Go to source}

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Differentiate genital warts. Certain strains of HPV can cause genital warts: lumps or lumps on the genitals or anus. These are considered low-risk strains because they rarely lead to cancer. ^{[7] X Trusted Source American Cancer Society Go to Source} If you’re not sure if you have genital warts, compare your symptoms with the following:

The most common site of genital warts in men is under the anterior skin of the uncircumcised penis or on the shaft of the circumcised penis. ^{[8] X Trusted Source Centers for Disease Contrp and Prevention Go to the source} Warts can also appear on the testicles, groin, thighs, or around the anus. ^{[9] X Trusted Source Centers for Disease Contrp and Prevention Go to source}
In rare cases, warts can appear in the anus or urethra, causing bleeding or discomfort when going to the bathroom. Anal warts may also not be caused by anal sex. ^{[10] X Research Source}
Warts can vary in number, shape (flat, raised, or broccoli-like), color (skin color, red, pink, gray or white), firmness; and symptoms (no symptoms, itching, or pain).

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Look for signs of anal cancer. HPV rarely causes cancer in men. Even when most sexually active people are exposed to HPV, the virus only causes cancer in about 1,600 men each year (US statistics). ^{[11] XTrusted Source Centers for Disease Contrp and Prevention Go to the source} Anal cancer can begin without obvious symptoms or with one or more of the following symptoms: ^{[12] X Source Trusted Centers for Disease Contrp and Prevention Go to source}

Bleeding, pain, or itching of the anus.
Abnormal discharge from the anus.
Swollen lymph nodes (tumors can be felt) in the anus or groin area.
Abnormal bowel movements or change in stool shape.

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Differentiate penile cancer. In the United States, approximately 700 men are diagnosed with penile cancer each year due to HPV ^{[13] X Credible Sources Centers for Disease Contrp and Prevention Go to source} . Early signs of penile cancer can be: ^{[14] X Trusted Source American Cancer Society Go to source}

The skin of the penis becomes thicker or changes color, usually at the top or in the front of the penis (if uncircumcised)
Tumor on the penis, usually painless
Soft, red skin rash
Small, scaly tumor
The lump of flesh that grows on the skin is bluish-brown in color, flat-faced
Odorous discharge under the skin in front of the penis
Swelling at the base of the penis

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Watch out for signs of throat cancer and mouth cancer. HPV increases the risk of cancer of the throat or back of the mouth (oral cancer), even if not the direct cause. ^{[15] X Trusted Source Centers for Disease Contrp and Prevention Go to source} Risk signs include: ^{[16] X Trusted Source National Cancer Institute Go to source}

Persistent sore throat or earache
Difficulty swallowing, difficulty opening your mouth wide or moving your tongue
Weight loss for no reason
Nodules in the neck, mouth or throat
Hoarseness or voice change that lasts more than 2 weeks ^{[17] X Trusted Source Centers for Disease Contrp and Prevention Go to source}

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Beware of risk factors for HPV infection in men. Certain characteristics may put you at a higher risk of contracting HVP. Even if you don’t have symptoms, it’s a good idea to be informed about available medical screenings and treatments if you fall into one of the following categories: ^{[18] X Trusted Source American Cancer Society Go to source}

Men who have sex with men, especially those who “receive” anal sex
Men with weakened immune systems, such as people with HIV/AIDS, people who have recently had an organ transplant, or are taking immunosuppressive drugs
Men who have sex with more than one person (of any kind), especially if not using a condom
Smoking, drinking, drinking too much yerba mate tea, or eating too much guava leaves can increase your risk of certain cancers caused by HPV (especially cancers of the mouth and throat). ^{[19] X Trusted Source National Cancer Institute Go to Source}
Uncircumcised men have a higher risk, but this statistic is unclear. ^{[20] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to Source}

Medical assessment and treatment as needed

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Consider getting vaccinated. A series of HPV vaccines can provide safe and long-term protection against many (but not all) cancer-causing strains of HPV. ^{[21] X Trusted Source American Cancer Society Going to the source} Vaccines are much more effective for young people, so the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends them for men in the following groups: ^{[ 22] X Trusted Source Centers for Disease Contrp and Prevention Go to source}

All men under the age of 21 (ideally ages 11-12 before having sex)
All men who have sex with men aged 26 or younger
All men with weakened immune systems aged 26 years or younger (including HIV-positive men)
Tell your healthcare provider about any serious allergies before vaccination, especially allergies to natural rubber or yeast.

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Treatment of genital warts . Genital warts can go away on their own after a few months and do not lead to cancer. The main reason for treatment is to help you feel more comfortable. Treatments include applying a cream or ointment (eg, Podofilox, Imiquimod, or Sinecatechins) at home, or going to a doctor to have the wart removed by freezing (freezing), acid, or surgery. . ^{[23] X Trusted Source Centers for Disease Contrp and Prevention Go to the source} Your doctor can also apply vinegar to lighten the color of a wart that hasn’t emerged or been visible. ^{[24] X Research Source}

You can transmit HPV even if you don’t have symptoms, and the risk is higher if you have genital warts. Therefore, talk to your sexual partner about this risk and cover the wart with a condom or other barrier if possible.
Although the HPV strain that causes genital warts does not cause cancer, you are still at risk of being exposed to more than one strain of the virus. Therefore, talk to your doctor if you notice signs of cancer or symptoms that are difficult to explain.

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Ask your doctor about cancer screening if you have sex with men. HPV-associated anal cancer rates are much higher in men who have sex with men. If you are in this group, you should talk to your doctor about your sexual orientation and order a smear test. Your doctor may recommend testing every 3 years (and once a year if HIV-positive) to screen for anal cancer. ^{[25] X Research Sources}

Not all doctors consider regular screening tests necessary or helpful. However, your doctor will still give you all the information about the test and let you choose for yourself. Feel free to ask if your doctor hasn’t mentioned screening methods.
For countries where homosexuality is illegal, you can get treatment and source health information from an LGBT organization or an international HIV prevention organization.

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Test yourself regularly. Self-exams can help you detect early signs of HPV infection. If it’s cancer, finding it early makes it much easier to treat. If in doubt, you should see your doctor immediately if you notice unexplained signs.

Regularly examine the penis and genitals for signs of warts and/or unusual-looking areas of the penis. ^{[26] X Research Sources}

Advice

You or your sexual partner can carry HPV for many years without showing any signs or symptoms. HPV should not be seen as a sign of relationship infidelity. There is no way to determine who is responsible for spreading the virus. 1% of sexually active men may have genital warts at any given time.
Note that anal cancer is not the same as colorectal (colon) cancer. Most colon cancers are not associated with HPV, although there is evidence of an association in some cases. ^{[30] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to source} Your doctor can do routine screening tests to detect colon cancer and give you a better understanding of your risk factors and symptoms.

Steps

Know the signs and symptoms of HPV

Medical assessment and treatment as needed

Advice

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