Why Human Papillomavirus Is Not Just a Women’s Health Issue
When people hear about HPV (Human Papillomavirus), it’s often in the context of cervical cancer and women’s health. But the truth is, HPV affects men just as much as women and it can cause serious health problems that often go unnoticed.
HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the world, and most sexually active men will contract it at some point in their lives. While many infections clear on their own, others can lead to genital warts, throat cancer, penile cancer, and anal cancer.
In this article, we’ll explore how HPV affects men, the symptoms to watch for, how it spreads, and how it can be prevented including through vaccination.
What Is HPV?
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of more than 200 related viruses, some of which are considered low-risk (causing warts), while others are high-risk (linked to cancer).
HPV is spread through:
- Vaginal, anal, or oral sex
- Skin-to-skin contact, even without penetration
- In rare cases, through contact with contaminated surfaces or shared personal items
You can get HPV even if your partner has no symptoms and even if you’ve only had one sexual partner.
HPV in Men: Why It Matters
Many men carry and transmit HPV without knowing they’re infected. This can lead to unknowingly infecting partners or developing HPV-related health problems years later.
HPV-related conditions in men include:
- Genital warts (caused by low-risk HPV types 6 and 11)
- Penile cancer
- Anal cancer
- Oropharyngeal cancer (throat, base of tongue, tonsils), especially linked to HPV type 16
- Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (rare, wart-like growths in the airway)
HPV-related cancers in men are increasing, particularly oropharyngeal cancers, which now surpass cervical cancer in some developed countries.
Symptoms of HPV in Men
HPV often causes no symptoms, which is why it spreads so easily. However, when symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Flesh-colored or gray genital warts on the penis, scrotum, groin, thighs, or anus
- Warts in the mouth or throat (rare)
- Persistent sore throat, hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing (in oropharyngeal cancer)
- Anal bleeding or pain (in anal cancer)
- Lesions or growths that do not heal
Because many infections are silent, regular self-checks and awareness of unusual symptoms are key especially for men with higher risk factors.
Risk Factors for Men
While any sexually active man can get HPV, certain factors increase the risk:
- Having multiple sexual partners
- Engaging in unprotected sex
- Being uncircumcised (slightly higher risk of persistent HPV infection)
- Having sex with partners who have HPV
- Smoking, which weakens immune defense
- Having a weakened immune system (e.g., HIV-positive individuals)
- Men who have sex with men (MSM), who are at higher risk for anal HPV and cancer
Is There an HPV Test for Men?
Unlike women, there is no FDA-approved HPV screening test for men. HPV is usually detected visually (in the case of warts) or through biopsy if a suspicious lesion is found.
For men at high risk (e.g., MSM or HIV-positive individuals), anal Pap tests may be performed to detect early signs of anal cancer, but this is not a standard practice everywhere.
How to Protect Yourself from HPV
✅ 1. HPV Vaccination
The HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9) protects against 9 strains of the virus, including the most dangerous ones (types 6, 11, 16, and 18). It is:
- Recommended for boys and girls starting at age 9–12
- Approved for males up to age 45
- Most effective before sexual activity begins, but still beneficial afterward
The vaccine has been shown to reduce HPV-related cancers and warts dramatically.
✅ 2. Use Protection
While condoms and dental dams do not eliminate the risk entirely, they reduce transmission by covering infected areas.
✅ 3. Limit Sexual Partners
Reducing your number of sexual partners lowers your exposure risk.
✅ 4. Maintain a Healthy Immune System
Eating well, exercising, not smoking, and managing stress all support the immune system’s ability to clear HPV.
✅ 5. Be Aware and Communicate
Have open conversations with your partner(s) about STIs and vaccination status.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can men get tested for HPV?
There is no routine HPV test for men. Diagnosis is typically made when symptoms like warts or lesions appear, or during cancer evaluations.
2. Can men get HPV more than once?
Yes. You can be infected with different HPV types over time, even after clearing one infection.
3. Is HPV curable?
There is no cure for the virus itself, but in most cases, the body clears it naturally within 1–2 years. Warts and precancerous changes can be treated.
4. Should adult men get the HPV vaccine?
Yes, especially if you’re under 45 and sexually active. Even if you’ve had HPV before, the vaccine can protect against other strains.
5. Can men pass HPV to partners?
Yes. Men can transmit HPV to women or other men, even when they have no symptoms.
HPV Is Not Just a Women’s Issue
HPV is a serious men’s health concern that deserves attention, prevention, and education. While many infections clear on their own, some lead to cancer often without warning signs. By getting vaccinated, practicing safe sex, and staying informed, men can protect not only their own health but also their partners’.
At Erdem Hospital, our urology and infectious disease teams provide HPV education, diagnosis, treatment, and vaccination services helping individuals of all ages stay protected and informed.