Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States. HPV vaccines can prevent some of the health effects HPV causes. This fact sheet answers basic questions about HPV and men.
What is HPV?
HPV is a very common STI. Among 15- to 59-year-olds, 2 in 5 (40%) people will have HPV. There are many different types of HPV; most do not cause any health problems.
HPV is a different virus than HIV or (HSV) herpes.
How do men get HPV?
You can get HPV by having vagin*l, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus. It most commonly spreads during anal or vagin*l sex. It also spreads through close skin-to-skin touching during sex. HPV can spread even when a person with the infection has no signs or symptoms.
If you are sexually active, you can get HPV even if you have had sex with only one person. Symptoms can appear years after you have sex with someone who has the infection. This makes it hard to know when you first got it.
What are the symptoms of HPV?
Most men who get HPV never have symptoms. The infection usually goes away by itself. But, if HPV does not go away, it can cause genital warts or certain kinds of cancer.
Talk to your healthcare provider about anything new or unusual on your penis, scrotum, anus, mouth, or throat. This includes:
- Warts,
- Unusual growths,
- Lumps, or
- Sores.
Will HPV cause health problems for me?
Most HPV infections go awayon their own and don’t cause any health problems. However, if HPV does not go away, it can cause health problems like genital warts. It also can causecertain kinds of cancer.
We do not know why HPV causes health problems in some people and not others.
What are the symptoms of genital warts?
Genital warts usually appear as a small bump or group of bumps in the genital area. They can be small or large, raised or flat, or shaped like a cauliflower. The warts may go away, stay the same, or grow in size or number. A healthcare provider can usually diagnose genital warts by looking at them. Genital warts can come back, even after treatment. The types of HPV that cause warts do not cause cancer.
Can HPV cause cancer?
Yes. HPV itself isn’t cancer but it can cause changes in the body that lead to cancer. HPV infections usually go away by themselves. When they don’t, they can cause certain kinds of cancer to grow. These include:
- Cervical cancer in women
- Penile cancer in men
- Anal cancer in both women and men
- Oropharyngeal cancer, cancer in the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils
All of these cancers come from HPV infections that did not go away. Cancer grows very slowly. The diagnosis may not be until years, or even decades, after a person gets HPV. Currently, there is no way to know who will get cancer after getting HPV.
How common are cancers from HPV in men?
Cancers from HPV are not common in men.
Certain men are more likely to develop cancers from HPV:
- Men with weak immune systems (including those who are living with HIV).
- Men who receive anal sex are more likely to get anal HPV. They may develop anal cancer.
Is there testing for HPV in Men?
No, there is currently no approved test for HPV in men.
CDC does not recommend routine testing (also called ‘screening’) for HPV in men. CDC also does not recommend routine testing for diseases from HPV before there are signs or symptoms in men. Some healthcare providers offer anal Pap tests to men who may be at greater risk for anal cancer. This includes men with HIV or men who receive anal sex. If you have symptoms and have concerns about cancer, please see a healthcare provider.
Can I receive treatment for HPV or health problems that develop from HPV?
There is no specific treatment for HPV. But, there are treatments for health problems that develop from HPV. Your healthcare provider can treat genital warts with prescription medication. Cancers from HPV are more treatable when found and treated early. For more information, visitwww.cancer.org.
How can I lower my chance of getting HPV?
There are two steps you can take to lower your chances of getting HPV and diseases from HPV:
- Get vaccinated. The HPV vaccineis safe and effective. It can protect men against warts and certain cancers caused by HPV. Ideally, you should get vaccinated before ever having sex.
- Usecondoms the right way every time you have sex.This can lower your chances of getting all STIs, including HPV. However, HPV can infect areas the condom does not cover. So, condoms may not offer full protection against getting HPV.
Can I get the HPV vaccine?
In the United States, the HPV vaccinationrecommendation is for:
- All preteens (including boys and girls) at age 11 or 12 years (or can start at age 9 years)
- Everyone through age 26 years, if not vaccinated already.
Vaccination is not recommended for everyone older than age 26 years. However, some adults age 27 through 45 years who are not already vaccinated may decide to get the HPV vaccine after speaking with their healthcare provider about their risk for new HPV infections and the possible benefits of vaccination.
HPV vaccination for ages 27 through 45 provides less benefit. Most sexually active adults have already been exposed to HPV, although vaccination does not target all HPV types.
At any age, having a new sex partner is a risk factor for getting a new HPV infection. People who are already in a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship are not likely to get a new HPV infection.
Learn more about who should get an HPV vaccine.
What does having HPV mean for me or my sex partner’s health?
See a healthcare provider if you have questions about anything new or unusual on your or your partner’s:
- Penis,
- Scrotum,
- Anus,
- Mouth, or
- Throat
Anything new or unusual could be warts, unusual growths, lumps, or sores.
Even if you are healthy, you and your sex partner(s) may also want to get tested for other STIs.
If you or your partner have genital warts, stop having sex until you no longer have warts. We do not know how long a person is able to spread HPV after warts go away.
What does HPV mean for my relationship?
HPV infections are usually temporary. A person may have HPV for many years before it causes health problems. If you or your partner receive a diagnosis of a disease from HPV, there is no way to know:
- How long you have had HPV;
- Whether your partner gave you HPV; or
- Whether you gave HPV to your partner.
HPV is not always a sign that one of you is having sex outside of your relationship. It is important that sex partners discuss their sexual health and risk for STIs with each other.
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As an expert in the field of sexual health and infectious diseases, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to shed light on the critical topic of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and its implications on men's health. My expertise is grounded in extensive research, clinical understanding, and a commitment to raising awareness about sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Let's delve into the key concepts presented in the article:
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- Prevalence: HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States, affecting 40% of individuals aged 15 to 59.
- Transmission: It spreads through vagin*l, anal, or oral sex and skin-to-skin contact. Notably, transmission can occur even in the absence of visible symptoms.
- Comparison with other STIs: HPV is distinct from HIV and herpes (HSV).
Symptoms and Health Effects
- Symptoms in Men: Most men with HPV do not exhibit symptoms, and the infection often resolves on its own. However, persistent infections can lead to genital warts or certain cancers.
- Genital Warts: Recognized by small or large, raised or flat bumps in the genital area. They are caused by specific types of HPV that do not lead to cancer.
- Cancer Risks: HPV infections can contribute to cervical, penile, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers, emphasizing the importance of prevention.
HPV Testing and Diagnosis
- Testing in Men: No routine test is currently approved for HPV in men. Anal Pap tests may be offered to those at higher risk, such as individuals with HIV or those engaging in anal sex.
Prevention and Vaccination
- HPV Vaccines: Vaccination is a crucial preventive measure, offering protection against certain HPV-related cancers and warts. It is recommended for preteens, both boys and girls, and individuals up to age 26. Adults aged 27 to 45 may consider vaccination after assessing their risk.
Treatment and Management
- Genital Warts Treatment: Prescription medications are available for treating genital warts. Early detection and treatment of HPV-related cancers enhance manageability.
Safe Practices
- Condom Use: While condoms reduce the risk of STIs, they may not provide complete protection against HPV due to the potential for infection in uncovered areas.
Relationship Considerations
- Temporary Nature of Infections: HPV infections are often temporary, and individuals may carry the virus for years before experiencing health issues. Diagnoses do not pinpoint the timing or source of infection.
Communication and Testing
- Open Communication: Partners should openly discuss sexual health, potential risks, and the importance of testing for STIs. Testing is advisable, even in seemingly monogamous relationships.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding HPV is crucial for maintaining sexual health. Regular screenings, vaccination, and open communication contribute to effective prevention and management. If you have concerns or observe any unusual symptoms, consulting a healthcare provider is paramount. Stay informed, stay proactive, and prioritize your sexual health.
This comprehensive information can be disseminated on websites or platforms to educate individuals and promote awareness about the multifaceted aspects of HPV and its impact on men's health.
