Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common viral infection. It is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections globally. While often discussed in relation to women’s health, women can transmit HPV to men. This widespread virus can lead to various health issues in men, ranging from benign growths to certain cancers.
How HPV is Transmitted
HPV is primarily transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact, most commonly during sexual activities such as vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Penetration is not necessary for the virus to spread; contact between genital areas is sufficient. The virus can reside on the skin in areas not covered by condoms, facilitating its spread.
Unlike many other infections, HPV is not spread through casual contact like hugging, sharing food or utensils, or using public facilities such as toilet seats. It requires direct skin-to-skin or mucous membrane contact for transmission. While less common, the virus can also spread through hand-to-genital contact. Its highly contagious nature and often asymptomatic infections contribute to its commonality.
HPV Health Effects in Men
Most HPV infections in men are asymptomatic, and the body’s immune system often clears the virus on its own within two years. If the infection persists, it can lead to various health problems. The most common manifestation of low-risk HPV types in men is the development of genital warts, which are typically benign growths. These warts can appear on the penis, scrotum, anus, groin, or thighs and may vary in size and shape.
Certain high-risk HPV types are associated with specific cancers in men, though these are less common than genital warts. These cancers include anal cancer, penile cancer, and oropharyngeal (throat) cancer, which affects the back of the throat, tonsils, and base of the tongue. HPV type 16 and 18 are frequently linked to these malignancies. Oropharyngeal cancer has seen a notable increase, particularly in men, and is now the most common HPV-related cancer in men in some regions.
Preventing HPV Transmission
Vaccination is the most effective method for preventing HPV infection and its related health issues. The HPV vaccine is recommended for individuals as young as 9 years old, with routine vaccination typically advised for 11- to 12-year-olds, before potential exposure. For those who did not receive the vaccine earlier, it is recommended up to age 26. Adults aged 27 through 45 may also consider vaccination after consulting a healthcare provider. The vaccine provides protection against the HPV types most commonly linked to cancers and genital warts.
Consistent and correct use of condoms during sexual activity can reduce the risk of HPV transmission. However, condoms do not offer complete protection because HPV can be present on skin areas not covered by the condom. Despite this, condoms significantly lower the risk of HPV infection and related conditions like genital warts. Limiting the number of sexual partners and open communication with partners about sexual health can also help reduce exposure and transmission risks.
Managing HPV in Men
There is no routine HPV test for men comparable to the Pap smear for women. Instead, HPV in men is typically diagnosed when visible symptoms, such as genital warts, are present, which a doctor can identify through visual examination. For asymptomatic HPV infections, active medical treatment is generally not required. The body’s immune system usually manages to clear the virus over time.
When genital warts appear, various treatment options are available to remove them, although these treatments do not eliminate the underlying virus from the body. Common approaches include topical medications applied directly to the warts, cryotherapy (freezing the warts), or surgical removal. Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider are important, especially if new symptoms arise or if there are risk factors for HPV-related cancers.