HPV (human papillomavirus) is probably the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI), affecting almost all sexually active people at some point in their life. Fortunately, there are more than 40 types of HPV, and only a few are serious health hazards. The virus is undetectable in asymptomatic men, and can stay in the body for years without causing any problems. For this reason, it is very important that you have regular check-ups if you are a sexually active person. Most infections will go away on their own over time, but tell your doctor about any symptoms you are experiencing to see if there is a risk of cancer caused by HPV.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of HPV
Step 1. Understand how HPV is transmitted
HPV can be spread through skin-to-skin contact involving the genitals. This can happen when a person has vaginal sex, performs anal sex, hands touch the genitals, touches between the genitals even without penetration, and oral sex (this is rare). HPV can continue to stay in the body's system for years without any symptom. This means that you can still have HPV even if you haven't had sex recently, or you've had sex with just one partner.
- HPV cannot be transmitted by shaking hands or from inanimate objects, such as toilet seats (except using shared sex toys). This virus cannot be spread through the air.
- While they can reduce the chances of getting infected, condoms don't completely protect you from HPV.
Step 2. Recognize genital warts
Some types of HPV can cause genital warts, which are lumps or growths in the anal area or genitals. This is a type of HPV that is considered low risk, because it rarely causes cancer. If you are not sure whether you have genital warts or not, just compare the following symptoms:
- Genital warts in men most often occur under the foreskin of an uncircumcised penis, or on the shaft of a circumcised penis. Warts can also appear on the thighs, groin, testicles, or around the anus.
- Although rare, warts can also appear inside the anus or urethra, causing bleeding or discomfort when urinating. Anal warts can occur even if you don't have anal sex.
- Warts can vary in number, shape (flat, raised, or cauliflower-like), color (skin discolored, red, gray, pink, or white), hardness; and symptoms (no symptoms, pain, or itching).
Step 3. Check for signs of anal cancer
HPV rarely causes cancer in men. Although nearly all sexually active people have been exposed to HPV, the condition only causes anal cancer in about 1,600 men in the US a year. Anal cancer can occur without any obvious symptoms, or exhibit one or more of the following signs:
- The anus is bleeding, painful, or itchy.
- The anus secretes something unusual.
- Swollen lymph nodes (a lump that can be felt) in the rectum or groin area.
- Abnormal bowel movements or a change in the shape of the stool.
Step 4. Recognize penile cancer
In the US, about 700 people are diagnosed each year with penile cancer caused by HPV. Some of the early signs of penile cancer include:
- Areas of skin on the penis that change color or become thicker, especially at the tip of the foreskin (if uncircumcised)
- A lump or scab appears on the penis, which is usually not painful
- Red rash like velvet
- Small, crusty bumps
- Skin growth with an even texture and bluish-brown color
- Discharge under the foreskin that smells bad
- The tip of the penis swells
Step 5. Watch for signs of mouth and throat cancer
HPV increases the risk of developing cancer in the throat or back of the mouth (cancer of the oropharynx), although it is not a direct cause. Some of the signs of this cancer include:
- Pain in the throat or ear that does not go away
- Difficulty swallowing, opening the mouth fully, or moving the tongue
- Weight loss for no reason
- A lump in the mouth, neck, or throat
- A change in or hoarse voice that lasts for more than two weeks.
Step 6. Be aware of the risk factors for HPV in men
Certain characteristics make a person more likely to get HPV infection. Even if you have no symptoms, it would be best if you had a medical examination and treatment if you fall into one of the following categories:
- Men who have sex with other men, especially those who have anal sex.
- Men who have weak immune systems, such as people with HIV/AIDS, have recently had an organ transplant, or are taking immunosuppressant drugs.
- Men who have had multiple sex partners (any sex), especially if they don't use condoms.
- Excessive use of tobacco, alcohol, hot yerba mate (a drink enjoyed by people in South America), or betel nut can increase the risk of some cancers associated with HPV (especially of the throat and mouth).
- Although the data are still unclear, uncircumcised men may have a greater risk of developing HPV.
Part 2 of 2: Get Medical Checkups and Treatment If Needed
Step 1. Try using a vaccine
A series of HPV vaccines will provide safe long-term protection against many types of HPV that can cause cancer (though not all). Because this vaccine is much more effective when used by younger people, the Centers for Disease Control recommends its use in the following people:
- All men who are 21 years of age or less (ideally when they were 11 or 12 years old before engaging in sexual activity)
- All men who have sexual relations with men who are 26 years of age or younger
- All men with weakened immune systems who are 26 years of age or younger (including HIV-positive men)
- Tell your health care provider if you have any serious allergies before receiving the vaccine, especially allergies to latex or yeast.
Step 2. Treat your genital warts
Genital warts can heal on their own within a few months, and will not turn into cancer. The convenience factor is the main reason why you should treat it. Treatment can be in the form of an ointment or cream (such as Podofilox, Imiquimod, or Sinecatechin) that you can give yourself at home, or ask your doctor to help remove it by freezing (cryotherapy), acid administration, or surgery. Doctors can also give vinegar to clarify the presence of warts that have not appeared or are not visible.
- You can transmit HPV even if you have no symptoms, but the chances are higher if you have genital warts. Talk to your partner about these risks, and if possible cover up the wart using a condom or other barrier.
- Although the type of HPV that causes genital warts does not cause cancer, it is possible that you have been exposed to more than one type of HPV. You should still consult a doctor if you experience some signs of cancer or other unexplained symptoms.
Step 3. Ask about anal cancer screening if you have sex with other men
The likelihood of developing anal cancer associated with HPV is greater in men who have sex with other men. If you fall into this category, tell your doctor about your sexual orientation, and ask about an anal Pap smear. Maybe your doctor will advise you to have a test every three years (once a year if you are HIV positive) to find out whether you have anal cancer or not.
- Not all doctors agree that regular screening is necessary or useful, but they still advise you to get tested and leave you to make up your own mind. If your doctor doesn't offer this service or can't tell you about it, try to find a different opinion.
- Since homosexuality is illegal in this country, you may be able to get treatment and health information from international LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) or organizations concerned with HIV prevention.
Step 4. Check your body regularly
Doing a self-examination is a useful step to help detect signs of HPV as early as possible. If it turns out to be cancer, this will make it easier for you to get rid of it early. If you are still in doubt, go to the doctor immediately when you experience unexplained symptoms.
Check your penis and the area around your genitals regularly for signs of warts and/or areas on the penis that look unusual
Step 5. Discuss any possible cancer symptoms with your doctor
The doctor will examine the area and ask some questions to help diagnose the problem. If your doctor thinks it's an HPV-related cancer, he or she can perform a biopsy and tell you the results a few days later.
- Your dentist can check for signs of mouth and throat cancer when you have regular checkups.
- If you are diagnosed with cancer, the treatment will depend on the severity and how quickly the condition is caught. You may be able to get rid of the cancer early with minor surgical procedures or local treatments such as laser beams or freezing. If the cancer has spread, you may need radiation or chemotherapy.
Tips
- It is possible that you or your partner have been infected with HPV for years without experiencing any symptoms or signs. Never assume that HPV is a sign of infidelity in a relationship. There is no surefire way to know who spread the infection. About 1% of sexually active men develop genital warts at some point in their life.
- Remember that anal cancer is not the same as colorectal (colon) cancer. Most colon cancers are not linked to HPV, although there is some evidence that there is some link in some cases. Doctors can do screening tests that are done regularly to find out if there is colon cancer and explain in more detail about some of the risk factors and symptoms.
