The HPV virus in men can be a troubling and depressing
problem. This virus causes
genital warts and is one of the most common causes
of sexually transmitted diseases in the United States
with many millions of men infected with HPV in the
genital tract and more becoming infected every year.
Human Papilloma virus in men, which can lead to the
appearance of genital warts, is highly contagious
and transmission occurs from one person to another
through skin to skin contact or unprotected sexual
intercourse during oral, vaginal or anal sex.
Male
genital warts, caused by HPV in men, can be small
or can accumulate into larges masses on genital tissues.
Left untreated, genital warts may eventually develop
a fleshy, cauliflower-like appearance. The most frequent
sites for genital warts are the anus area and the
external genitalia, although internal genital warts
can also occur. If you have symptoms, it is best to
start treatment right away and you should abstain
from sexual intercourse while being treated and until
the warts have been successful got rid of.
Although not so likely, high risk types of HPV may
cause cancer of the anus or penis.
How can the human papilloma virus in men
be detected?
If men have genital warts, then a health care provider
will usually be able to diagnose them correctly just
by seeing them. If you do not have any genital warts,
there is as yet no way of testing for HPV in men.
However if you suspect that you may have contracted
HPV then in some cases, a health care provider may
be able to identify some otherwise invisible warts
in your genital tissue by applying acetic acid (vinegar)
to areas of your body that might be infected. This
solution causes infected areas to whiten, which makes
them more visible. The health care provider can then
advise you on the possible methods of treatment.
When to see your doctor if you think you
have HPV
o When a current or past sexual partner is found
to have genital warts.
o When you have visible warts on your external genitals
and/or itching or discharge in that area.
How can HPV in men be prevented?
If you are young enough (between the ages of 9 and
18) you can now have a vaccination which is highly
effective in preventing persistent infection in certain
strains of HPV.
Using a condom may also reduce your chances of being
infected with HPV although condoms don’t cover
all the vulnerable area of the genitalia.
The only 100% way of preventing the transmission
of HPV is total abstinence from sex.
The following factors can make the risk of HPV in
men greater:
o If you have multiple sexual partners or sex with
someone who has multiple sexual partners.
o If you do not know if your sexual partner has HPV
or any other sexually transmitted disease.
o If you use tobacco and alcohol.
o If you are suffering from any other viral infections
such as HIV or herpes.
o If you are suffering from stress.
o If you have a diminished immune system.
So try to take good care of your health, be cautious
about your sexual partners and become informed about
the possibility of vaccination if you wish to avoid
HPV.
Go
to our Genital Warts Treatment page
