HPV in Men

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. Men can also contract HPV, often without noticing. In most cases, the immune system clears the virus on its own without the need for treatment.

Some types of HPV can cause genital warts. Other types usually cause no symptoms but can increase the risk of certain cancers in the long term. Therefore, it is important to know how HPV is transmitted and when testing is advisable.

What is HPV?

HPV is a collective name for over 200 different viruses. Some of these are transmitted during sexual contact.

There are low-risk types that can cause genital warts and high-risk types that can remain in the body for a long time without causing symptoms.

How do men get HPV?

HPV is transmitted through direct skin-to-skin and mucous membrane contact during sexual activity.

Infection can occur during:

• Vaginal sex.
• Anal sex.
• Oral sex.
• Intimate skin-to-skin contact.

A condom reduces the chance of infection but does not provide complete protection.

Symptoms of HPV in men

Most men do not experience any symptoms from an HPV infection.

When symptoms do occur, they may include:

• Genital warts on the penis, scrotum, or around the anus.
• Itching or irritation around the warts.
• Changes to the skin of the genitals.

High-risk types of HPV usually cause no visible symptoms.

How is HPV diagnosed?

There is no standard HPV test or screening program for men.

If genital warts or other abnormalities are visible, a doctor can usually recognize them during a physical examination. Sometimes, further investigation is needed.

How is HPV treated?

There is no medicine that eliminates HPV from the body.

When HPV causes genital warts, these can be treated with medication, freezing, or a minor medical procedure. In many cases, the immune system eventually clears the virus itself.

Can HPV cause cancer?

Yes. Some high-risk types of HPV can increase the risk of certain cancers, such as penile cancer, anal cancer, and cancers of the mouth and throat.

These cancers are rare and usually only develop after a long-term, persistent HPV infection.

Can you prevent HPV?

The risk of HPV infection can be reduced by practicing safe sex and by vaccination against HPV.

The HPV vaccination protects against the main types of HPV that can cause genital warts and various cancers.

When should you consult a doctor?

Contact a doctor if:

• You discover warts or bumps on your genitals.
• You notice skin changes that do not disappear on their own.
• A sexual partner has HPV or genital warts.
• You are unsure whether symptoms are caused by an STD.

A doctor can assess whether further investigation or treatment is needed.

Frequently asked questions about HPV in men

Do men always experience symptoms of HPV?

No. Most men do not notice an infection.

Can men transmit HPV?

Yes. Even without symptoms, HPV can be transmitted during sexual contact.

Is there an HPV test for men?

No. There is no standard HPV screening for men without symptoms.

Can genital warts disappear on their own?

Yes. They can, but sometimes treatment is desirable if they cause discomfort or persist.

Does the HPV vaccination also benefit men?

Yes. The vaccination protects against the main types of HPV that can cause genital warts and various cancers.

Have skin changes checked

An HPV infection in men usually causes no symptoms. If you discover warts, bumps, or other changes to your genitals, have them assessed by a doctor. Timely diagnosis makes it possible to treat any symptoms and limit further spread of the virus.