The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection globally, and a man can contract it from a woman. This virus affects both sexes and is typically passed through intimate skin-to-skin contact. HPV is a group of over 200 related viruses, with more than 40 types capable of infecting the genital areas. For most people, the immune system clears the infection naturally, often without the person ever knowing they had it.
Understanding Male HPV Transmission
HPV transmission occurs through direct skin-to-skin contact, meaning the virus does not require the exchange of bodily fluids to spread. This facilitates the transfer of the virus during various forms of sexual activity. Vaginal, anal, and oral sex are common methods of transmission, as is any close genital touching.
A woman can pass the virus to a man even if she shows no visible symptoms. This is because the virus can be present on the skin without causing noticeable lesions or warts, a state known as asymptomatic shedding. The infection can remain dormant for years before causing health problems, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact time of contraction.
While using a latex condom consistently can help lower the risk of transmission, it does not offer complete protection against HPV. The virus spreads through contact with infected skin in the genital area, which may not be covered by a condom. Therefore, condoms reduce, but do not eliminate, the possibility of the virus passing between partners.
How HPV Affects the Male Body
In most cases, a man’s immune system clears the HPV infection within two years, leading to no long-term health consequences. If the infection persists, it can manifest in two primary ways depending on the viral strain. Low-risk HPV types, most notably types 6 and 11, cause genital warts.
These warts typically appear as small bumps or groups of bumps on the penis, scrotum, groin, or around the anus. Their appearance can vary, sometimes resembling a cauliflower shape, and they are usually painless. While highly contagious, these low-risk types rarely lead to cancer.
A more serious outcome involves infection with high-risk HPV types, such as 16 and 18, which can lead to certain cancers. These strains cause cell changes that, if persistent, may progress to malignancy. HPV is linked to cancers of the anus, penis, and the oropharynx (the back of the throat and the base of the tongue).
Oropharyngeal cancer is the most common HPV-related cancer found in men in the United States. Unlike genital warts, high-risk infections often remain asymptomatic until cell changes become advanced. There is no routine, approved test for HPV in men, so diagnosis is typically made through observing warts or detecting abnormal cell changes during a physical examination.
Strategies for Prevention and Management
The most effective strategy for a man to protect against HPV and its related diseases is vaccination. The HPV vaccine is recommended for preteens, ideally at age 11 or 12, to ensure protection before potential exposure. Catch-up vaccination is recommended for men through age 26 who were not fully vaccinated earlier. Men aged 27 through 45 should discuss the potential benefits with their doctor, as the vaccine may still be appropriate.
The vaccine protects against the high-risk strains that cause cancer and the low-risk strains that cause genital warts. Vaccination provides a safe way for the immune system to build awareness against these viral types. Behavioral changes, such as a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner, can also lower the risk of contracting the virus. If a man develops genital warts, treatment options are available to remove the lesions. While treating the warts does not eliminate the underlying virus, it can reduce the chance of transmission to partners.