6 Myths and Facts: What Men Need to Know About HPV

HPV (human papillomavirus) is often associated with women, but it can also affect men and increase the risk of certain cancers.

In fact, a study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases found that men were more likely to be infected with HPV than women, and a brief published by the National Center for Health Statistics reported that men are more likely to be infected with high-risk types of HPV strains.

Chafeek Tomeh, MD, an otolaryngologist at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center in Arizona, said that HPV is a widespread virus in both men and women, and it’s the most common cause of sexually transmitted disease.

HPV, a common sexually transmitted infection in males and females, spreads by close human contact, including intimate sexual contact. Oftentimes, there are no HPV symptoms and the infection can go unnoticed. However, it can cause papillomas, which are growths similar to warts that can appear on the genital area, skin or throat in men. And while the papillomas themselves are not cancerous, HPV can cause cancer. Here, Dr. Tomeh dispelled some common myths about HPV in men.

What is HPV in men?

HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection that can affect both men and women. It spreads through close skin-to-skin contact, including sexual activity.

What are the symptoms of HPV in men?

Many men with HPV do not have symptoms. However, HPV can cause genital warts or lead to cancers of the throat, anus or penis.

How do men know if they have HPV?

There is no routine screening test for HPV in men. It is often detected only when symptoms like warts or abnormal growths appear or when testing is done for related cancers.

Common myths and facts about HPV in men

Myth: HPV causes health problems in women, not men

Fact: “Most people don’t know that HPV can cause cancer in both men and women,” Dr. Tomeh said. HPV can cause various types of cancers in men, including those that affect the tonsils, base of the tongue, anus and penis. While penile and anal cancers are rare, cancers in the throat ( oropharyngeal cancer) are the most common HPV-related cancers found in men. Men should see their doctor if they notice any growths in the neck, mouth, throat or penis.

Myth: A condom can prevent human papillomavirus infection

Fact: Condoms can offer protection during penetrative sexual contact reducing the risk of an HPV infection. They can also provide protection during oral sexual contact. You need a dental dam or female condom to help protect against HPV infection when performing oral sex on a woman. However, HPV can still be transmitted even when using a condom if the HPV virus is present in the areas of skin not covered by the condom.

Myth: HPV infections aren’t serious in men

Fact: An HPV infection can lead to cancer in men, which could require surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Throat surgery to treat cancer can make it difficult to speak or swallow which can lead to social barriers, seclusion and loneliness. “Sometimes, people need a long time to finish meals, so they don’t feel comfortable eating in social settings,” Dr. Tomeh said.

And treatment for penile cancer can involve removing some or all of the penis, which can affect the ability to urinate or engage in sexual activity. “Treatments can be pretty severe, but thankfully, many men don’t require this level of intervention,” Dr. Tomeh said.

Myth: Men can be screened to see if they are infected with HPV

Fact: There isn’t a good screening test for HPV in men until a lesion grows. “We test for HPV in a papilloma, tumor or growth,” Dr. Tomeh said. “And we can screen for certain cancers associated with HPV, but there isn’t a good way to screen for the virus itself.”

Myth: A man can’t give a woman HPV

Fact: A man can transmit HPV to a woman through intimate skin to skin contact, as well as contact with genital warts or within semen during vaginal sex. And remember, HPV can cause cervical cancer in women.

Myth: Boys don’t need the HPV vaccine

Fact: Vaccination against HPV protects against throat cancer—the fastest-growing head and neck cancer. “Many of the patients I see have throat cancer from HPV, which is completely preventable with a vaccine,” Dr. Tomeh said. “Everyone should get vaccinated.” The HPV vaccine is recommended for everyone ages 9-26 and is best given at ages 11-12. When you vaccinate before age 15 two doses are enough. After age 15 you need three doses. People ages 27-45 should talk to their doctor about the benefits of getting the HPV vaccine.

Parents may feel that their son doesn’t need to be vaccinated since he isn’t sexually active. But that will likely change one day. “Parents will not be able to control how many sexual partners their children have or how many sexual partners their child’s partner may have had,” Dr. Tomeh said. The risk of HPV infection is higher with more sexual partners. When it comes to sexually transmitted diseases, public health professionals often say that you are essentially sleeping with everyone your partner has slept with.

How can men reduce their risk of HPV?

Getting vaccinated, using protection during sexual activity and limiting the number of sexual partners can help reduce risk.

Frequently asked questions about HPV in men

Can men get HPV?

Yes, HPV is common in men and often has no symptoms.

What are the first signs of HPV in men?

Genital warts or unusual growths may appear, but many men have no symptoms.

Can HPV go away on its own?

Yes, many infections clear without treatment, but some persist.

Should men get the HPV vaccine?

Yes, vaccination helps prevent HPV-related cancers and is recommended for many age groups.

The bottom line

HPV in men is common and can lead to serious health issues, making awareness, vaccination and early evaluation important. To talk with a health care professional to learn how to reduce your risk of sexually transmitted diseases, contact Banner Health.

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