What men need to know about HPV

Jill McLeod, MD

Obstetrics and Gynecology

When most of us think about HPV, we probably think of it leading to cervical cancer – but men can get HPV that leads to cancer, too. OB/GYN Jill McLeod, MD, explained what men need to know about HPV.

What is HPV and how does a person get it?

The human papilloma virus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the U.S. There are more than 200 types of HPV. Most do not cause health problems, but some strains can cause warts, and the more high-risk strains cause cancer.

HPV spreads through skin-to-skin touching during sex and can be transmitted by vaginal, oral or anal intercourse. HPV can spread even if the person infected with the virus has no symptoms.

How long does it take for HPV to show up?

“After exposure to certain types of HPV, genital warts can appear after in one to eight months,” Dr. McLeod said, “but you can have symptoms from other types of HPV within weeks, months, or even years after your exposure. That’s why it’s important to follow up with your health care provider throughout your lifetime.”

How dangerous is HPV for men?

Most men and women who get HPV never have symptoms and the infection goes away. However, certain types of HPV can lead to cancer. About 70% of pharyngeal (throat) cancer is caused by HPV, as well as almost 100% of penis and anal cancers.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), men who are at higher risk for developing cancer from HPV are:

• Men with weak immune systems (including those who are living with HIV).
• Men who receive anal sex.

Can men be tested for HPV?

There is no routine screening test for men like there is for women, but a physical exam can check for warts.

“There is also an anal Pap test that can be performed on men with high risk factors, such as men who have sex with men,” Dr. McLeod said. “Men should talk to their health care provider to see if this is an appropriate test for them.”

What can men do to prevent HPV?

There are two main steps you can take to lower your risk of getting HPV:

• Get the HPV vaccine. The vaccine can protect men against warts and cancer caused by HPV. It’s best to get the vaccine before you’re sexually active. The recommendation is for boys to receive the vaccination at age 11 or 12.

• Use condoms during sex. When used properly, condoms can reduce your risk of HPV, but they don’t completely eliminate the risk.

Is the HPV vaccine safe?

“The HPV vaccine is very safe,” Dr. McLeod said. “Over 15 years of research – among females and males – has continued to show its safety. Side effects include redness and pain in the injection site, just like with any other vaccine. Everybody should be vaccinated with the HPV vaccine.”