Often it is believed that HPV is only dangerous for women, but the truth is that it can also pose critical risks for men.
The Human Papillomavirus has been considered one of the risk factors in the development of anal or penile cancer.
Keep reading to the end of this post to discover HPV symptoms in men, current treatments, whether HPV can be cured, and what it means for health to carry this virus.
What is the human papillomavirus (HPV)?
It’s one of the main viruses that cause Sexually Transmitted Infections or STIs. This viral infection can be spread from one person to another through sexual contact.
The main symptom of HPV in both men and women is the appearance of warts on the genitals. In men, the lesions or condylomas can be seen at the base of the penis, the frenulum, the urinary opening, and of course, the anus.
There are over 200 strains of HPV, and their prevalence doesn’t show significant differences between men or women. What you should know is that some strains are low-risk, and others are high-risk.
How do men contract HPV?
Skin-to-skin or mucosal contact with the virus leads to its transmission. Moreover, the risk of infection is equally high during both anal and vaginal sex.
On the other hand, oral sex can also increase the exposure to HPV transmission. There’s a type of lesion caused by this virus that appears in the mouth.
It’s not necessary for penetration to occur for HPV transmission. It can even occur from skin friction when intimate with a virus carrier.
When there are visible HPV warts and one engages in sexual activity, the risk of transmitting the virus is extremely high.
The challenge with this infection is that the absence of lesions doesn’t mean there’s no risk of transmission if one has sex with an asymptomatic carrier of the virus.
Will HPV cause me health problems?
The good news is that in most cases, HPV infection clears up on its own within two years. There are also many cases where symptoms aren’t noticeable.
Asymptomatic HPV can pose a risk for two reasons. First, there may be some manifestation of the virus you haven’t noticed. For instance, having internal warts is something not easily detectable.
The second factor is that the absence of condylomas doesn’t mean someone with HPV can’t transmit the virus. Moreover, if the virus’s symptoms don’t resolve on their own, they can impact one’s quality of life.
For example, some lesions can cause discomfort like pain. In the case of anal HPV warts, they could cause bleeding during anal sex.
These were some tips to help you know how to deal with HPV. However, there is much more you need to do if you really want to get rid of HPV and warts forever.
What you need to do is GET RID OF THE ROOT of the problem.
For that reason, I recommend you to look into Dr. Kirkland's story and how he was able to cure HPV and get rid of warts for good.
What are the symptoms of HPV?
Regarding HPV symptoms in men, it’s straightforward — primarily marked by the appearance of warts or condylomas.
Remember, not every viral infection leads to symptoms. There are cases where one carries HPV, and only after months since contracting the infection do warts appear.
If you’ve noticed warts on the penis, scrotum, or the perianal region, it’s crucial to see a doctor.
Can HPV cause cancer?
It’s vital to be informed about the Human Papillomavirus because there are some misconceptions.
For instance, some believe that the risk of cancer from HPV is exclusive to women. This is false! Men can also face a carcinogenic risk due to this infection.
Remember, many HPV types are low-risk and don’t produce precancerous lesions. However, high-risk HPV can lead to these lesions, increasing the likelihood of developing cancer in the future.
It’s essential to know that HPV isn’t cancer. Even when infected with a high-risk strain, it doesn’t mean you’re absolutely destined to develop cancer. However, the risk is real and elevated.
Penile cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, and anal cancer are some of the carcinogenic risks men might face as a result of HPV.
How common are HPV-related cancers in men?
Compared to the prevalence of HPV cancer risks in women, men have fewer cases.
However, studies have shown that men who have anal sex as receivers have a higher risk of contracting anal HPV.
What’s risky about this is that it can lead to lesions inside the anus, causing cellular alterations, increasing the risk of cancer.
Can I get tested for HPV as a man?
Men can also undergo a colposcopy, an evaluation that determines if there are lesions in the anus due to HPV.
Furthermore, some tests can identify the strain responsible for the infection. However, it’s worth noting that there’s no way to determine how long one has had the virus or who transmitted it.
Can I receive treatment for HPV or health problems caused by the virus?
There are many treatments for HPV warts, with some creams helping to reduce and even eliminate the lesions.
However, a cure for HPV has not yet been developed. Only symptom-relief medications are available.
Additionally, the vaccine against the Human Papillomavirus is crucial to prevent infection and its risks, including the risk of cancer.
Lastly… what should you do if you have HPV?
These were some tips to help you know how to deal with HPV. However, there is much more you need to do if you really want to get rid of HPV and warts forever.
What you need to do is GET RID OF THE ROOT of the problem.
For that reason, I recommend you to look into Dr. Kirkland's story and how he was able to cure HPV and get rid of warts for good.
I wish you great success in your recovery!
Sources:
- https://www.everydayhealth.com/hpv/guide/men/
- https://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv-and-men.htm
- https://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/hpv-genital-warts/hpv-virus-men
- https://www.bannerhealth.com/healthcareblog/teach-me/myths-and-facts-what-men-need-to-know-about-hpv
Medically reviewed by Dr. Amy Wilson. Dr. Amy Wilson, born in the United States, obtained her medical degree from Lincoln University School of Medicine. Specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, she’s dedicated 15 years to women’s health, becoming a distinguished gynecologist and serving in various U.S. medical institutions.