The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common viral infection, primarily transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact. The majority of infections are transient and cause no noticeable problems. For men, understanding what HPV “looks like” focuses on the visible effects of the virus. Although most people who contract HPV will never see any outward signs, certain low-risk strains can result in growths in the genital area. This manifestation is a direct result of the virus causing an overgrowth of skin cells.
The Appearance of Genital Warts
When HPV infection becomes visible, it typically presents as genital warts, medically known as condylomata acuminata. These growths can appear in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. One recognized form is the papular or cauliflower-like cluster, where multiple small bumps merge to create a larger, rough-surfaced mass. These lesions often have a distinctive, irregular texture.
Warts may also appear as small, dome-shaped bumps that are slightly raised above the skin’s surface. In contrast, macular warts are much flatter, having only minimal elevation and can be subtle to detect visually or by touch. A less common presentation is the pedunculated wart, characterized by a small stalk supporting the main lesion.
The color of these growths is highly variable, often blending with the surrounding skin tone. They can appear flesh-colored, white, pink, gray, or brownish-red. Newer warts tend to be softer and more pearly, while older lesions can become firmer and more grayish-brown. Size varies from less than a millimeter to several centimeters when multiple warts coalesce into a plaque-like formation.
Common Sites of Visible Manifestation
Genital warts are typically concentrated in the anogenital area due to the nature of the virus’s transmission. The most frequent sites include the shaft of the penis and the glans (head of the penis). These areas are primary targets for the visible lesions caused by low-risk HPV types.
Warts are also common on the scrotum, particularly in skin folds, and around the anus in the perianal region. Moisture and friction in these areas can promote lesion growth. Less frequently, warts can develop on the inner thighs or groin area, especially where skin-to-skin contact occurs during sexual activity.
The virus can affect mucous membranes, leading to growths inside the urethra, though this is less common than external lesions. In rare cases, HPV-related lesions may appear in the mouth or throat, related to oral sexual contact. However, the vast majority of visible symptoms occur on the external genitalia and surrounding skin.
Why Most Infections Remain Unseen
For the majority of men infected with HPV, the virus does not manifest as any visible sign. The body’s immune system is highly effective in controlling the infection before external symptoms develop. In most cases, the immune response clears the virus completely within a couple of years, preventing the formation of warts or other lesions.
When the virus is present without visible warts, the infection is classified as subclinical or latent. This means that while the virus is active within the skin cells, the changes are microscopic or too subtle to be detected during a standard visual examination. Therefore, the absence of growths does not confirm the absence of the virus.
An asymptomatic carrier can still transmit the virus to a sexual partner. Furthermore, the HPV strains that pose a risk for cancer often do not cause any visible warts. These high-risk types, such as HPV-16 and HPV-18, cause cellular changes that are invisible to the naked eye, highlighting why a lack of symptoms can be misleading.
When to Consult a Healthcare Provider
If a man observes any new or unusual growths, bumps, or skin changes in the genital or anal area, seeking professional medical evaluation is the appropriate next step. Self-diagnosis of HPV is unreliable because many non-viral skin conditions look similar to genital warts. For instance, pearly penile papules, molluscum contagiosum, and benign skin tags are often confused with HPV lesions.
A healthcare provider can visually inspect the area and may apply a mild acetic acid solution to make subtle lesions more apparent, though this is not a definitive test. For atypical or persistent growths, a small tissue sample may be taken for a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. This process helps rule out other infections or, rarely, precancerous conditions.
Treatment focuses on removing the visible warts, not curing the underlying viral infection. Consulting a doctor allows for a tailored treatment plan, such as cryotherapy or topical medications, to manage physical symptoms. Seeking care also provides an opportunity to discuss the potential presence of high-risk HPV types and necessary monitoring.