Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common group of viruses. While many HPV infections do not cause noticeable health problems, certain types can lead to genital warts or cancers. This article will explore HPV in men, focusing on how the body manages the virus, treatments for its manifestations, and prevention strategies.
Understanding HPV in Men
HPV transmits primarily through intimate skin-to-skin contact, usually during sexual activity. It is the most common sexually transmitted infection globally, with nearly every sexually active individual encountering it. Almost one in three men over 15 are infected with at least one genital HPV type.
HPV types fall into low-risk and high-risk classifications. Low-risk types, such as HPV 6 and 11, typically cause genital warts but rarely cancer. High-risk types, including HPV 16 and 18, can cause various cancers, such as anal, penile, and oropharyngeal (throat) cancers. Most HPV infections in men are asymptomatic.
How the Body Clears HPV
There is no medication or cure to eliminate the HPV virus itself. The body’s immune system is responsible for clearing the infection naturally. For most individuals, the immune system successfully resolves HPV infections within months to a couple of years. Approximately 90% of detectable infections become undetectable within two years.
Even after clearance, the virus can sometimes remain in a dormant or latent state within cells. This viral latency means the virus is present at very low levels, potentially undetectable by standard tests, but could reactivate later, especially if the immune system weakens.
Treating HPV Manifestations
While there is no treatment for the HPV virus itself, the health problems it causes, such as genital warts and precancerous lesions, can be managed. The primary goal for genital warts is their removal and symptom alleviation. Treatment options vary by wart size, location, and number.
Topical medications, like imiquimod cream or podofilox, can be applied at home. Imiquimod boosts the immune system’s response to warts. Other treatments by a healthcare provider include cryotherapy (freezing with liquid nitrogen), electrocautery (burning with an electric current), surgical excision, and laser therapy. These methods remove visible warts but do not eliminate the underlying virus, meaning warts can recur.
For precancerous lesions, such as anal or penile dysplasia, treatment focuses on removing abnormal cells to prevent cancer progression. Anal dysplasia, almost always caused by HPV, ranges from low-grade, which often resolves, to high-grade, which requires treatment. Treatment for anal dysplasia may involve topical creams or ablation techniques like electrocautery. Regular monitoring is important for men with a history of HPV-related lesions due to potential recurrence.
Preventing HPV and Long-Term Care
Prevention strategies reduce the risk of HPV infection and transmission. The most effective method is HPV vaccination, recommended for both males and females. The HPV vaccine prevents infection with certain HPV types, including those causing genital warts and cancers. Studies indicate vaccination can significantly reduce HPV-related cancers in males, including head and neck cancers.
Practicing safe sex, including consistent condom use, can reduce HPV transmission risk, though it does not offer complete protection. HPV can spread through skin-to-skin contact in areas not covered by a condom. Limiting sexual partners and engaging in mutually monogamous relationships also lowers exposure likelihood.
For men infected with HPV, long-term care involves regular health check-ups and open communication with healthcare providers. This is important for those at higher risk for HPV-related cancers, such as men who have sex with men or individuals with weakened immune systems, who may benefit from specific screenings like anal Pap tests. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking, supports the immune system’s ability to manage HPV.