Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in men. While often harmless and symptom-free, some strains of HPV can lead to genital warts or even cancers of the penis, anus, or throat.

This guide explains the risks, symptoms, testing options, and preventive strategies men need to know—especially since many carry the virus without realizing it.

What Is HPV?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of more than 150 related viruses, many of which are sexually transmitted. It’s the most common STI in the world—and most people, including men, will contract it at some point in their lives, often without ever knowing.

🔍 HPV Types: High-Risk vs. Low-Risk

HPV is categorized based on its potential to cause cancer:

Low-Risk HPV Types

  • Typically cause genital warts (soft, skin-colored bumps)
  • Most common strains: HPV 6 and HPV 11
  • Not associated with cancer, but may cause physical or emotional distress

High-Risk HPV Types

  • Can lead to cancers of the penis, anus, throat, and mouth
  • Most common high-risk strains: HPV 16 and HPV 18
  • Usually asymptomatic until complications develop

How HPV Affects Men

In men, HPV infection can:

  • Cause warts on the penis, scrotum, groin, anus, or throat
  • Lead to precancerous or cancerous lesions in rare but serious cases
  • Remain in the body without symptoms for years
  • Be unknowingly passed to partners, even without visible signs

📌 Most HPV infections clear on their own, but persistent high-risk strains can cause long-term health issues.

🌍 How Common Is HPV in Men?

  • Up to 70–90% of sexually active men will be exposed to HPV
  • Rates are higher among men who have sex with men (MSM)
  • Many never know they’re infected due to lack of routine testing for men

📌 Understanding what HPV is—and which strains are dangerous—is the first step toward protecting yourself and your partners.

How Do Men Get HPV?

HPV is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, most commonly during sexual activity. Unlike many STIs, it does not require penetration or fluid exchange to spread—making it extremely easy to contract.

1. Sexual Transmission

HPV spreads through:

  • Vaginal sex
  • Anal sex (especially high-risk for MSM)
  • Oral sex (leading to throat infections)
  • Genital-to-genital contact (even without penetration)

📍 Condoms reduce risk but don’t offer full protection, as HPV can infect areas not covered.

2. Skin-to-Skin Contact

  • HPV can be passed by touching infected genital skin, especially during foreplay
  • Warts can spread to areas like the scrotum, inner thighs, or perianal region

3. Oral-to-Genital or Genital-to-Oral Transmission

  • Oral sex can lead to oropharyngeal HPV infections, which may cause throat cancer over time
  • The virus can be present in saliva or skin, even without visible signs

4. Asymptomatic Shedding

  • Most people with HPV have no symptoms
  • The virus can still be shed from the skin and transmitted unknowingly
  • This makes routine testing and prevention critical, even when no warts or lesions are visible

5. Risk Factors for HPV in Men

You’re more likely to get HPV if you:

  • Have multiple sexual partners
  • Started having sex at an early age
  • Have sex without condoms
  • Are a man who has sex with men (MSM)
  • Are immunocompromised (e.g., HIV-positive)
  • Have a partner with a known HPV infection

📌 Because HPV can be transmitted even without sex or symptoms, it’s nearly impossible to avoid without vaccination or consistent prevention habits.

Symptoms of HPV in Men

Most men with HPV will never experience symptoms—and the infection often clears on its own. However, in some cases, certain types of HPV can cause visible or serious health issues, especially if the virus persists in the body.

1. Genital Warts

One of the few visible signs of HPV is the development of genital warts, usually caused by HPV types 6 and 11.

Common features:

  • Small, flesh-colored or gray growths
  • May appear as single bumps or clustered (cauliflower-like)
  • Usually painless, but may itch or feel uncomfortable
  • Can appear on:

    • Penis or shaft

    • Scrotum

    • Groin area

    • Around or inside the anus

    • Thighs (less common)

📌 Warts can develop weeks or even months after exposure.

2. Anal and Perianal Symptoms

  • Warts or lesions around the anus or rectum (especially in MSM)
  • May cause itching, discomfort, or bleeding during bowel movements
  • Can be internal or external, and sometimes mistaken for hemorrhoids

3. Oral and Throat Symptoms

HPV can infect the mouth, throat, and tongue, particularly through oral sex.

Possible signs include:

  • Chronic sore throat
  • Hoarseness or voice changes
  • White patches or lumps in the mouth
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

📌 These symptoms may take years to develop and are often overlooked.

4. No Symptoms at All

  • Most men with HPV are completely asymptomatic
  • Even high-risk types that lead to cancer may not show symptoms until late stages
  • This is why routine checkups and awareness are vital

📌 Just because you don’t see or feel anything doesn’t mean you’re not infected—or unable to transmit the virus. Knowing the signs helps protect both you and your partners.

Complications of HPV in Men

While many HPV infections are harmless and resolve on their own, persistent infection with high-risk strains can lead to serious health complications—including various types of cancer. Men who are immunocompromised or engage in receptive anal sex face even higher risks.

1. Penile Cancer

Though rare, penile cancer can be caused by high-risk HPV strains, especially types 16 and 18.

Warning signs may include:

  • Growths or sores on the penis
  • Changes in skin color or thickness
  • Persistent pain or bleeding

📌 Penile cancer is more likely in uncircumcised men or those with poor genital hygiene.

2. Anal Cancer

Men who have sex with men (MSM) and HIV-positive individuals are at greater risk.

Symptoms include:

  • Anal bleeding or pain
  • A lump or mass near the anus
  • Changes in bowel habits
  • Itching or discharge

📍 Regular screening (Anal Pap test) is recommended for high-risk groups.

3. Oropharyngeal (Throat) Cancer

HPV can infect the back of the throat, base of the tongue, and tonsils, leading to cancer years after infection.

Signs to watch for:

  • Persistent sore throat or hoarseness
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Ear pain without infection

📌 HPV is now the leading cause of oropharyngeal cancers in men in the U.S.

4. Genital Warts (Non-Cancerous but Disruptive)

Though not cancerous, genital warts can cause:

  • Embarrassment or anxiety
  • Discomfort during sex
  • Recurring outbreaks despite treatment

5. Emotional and Psychological Impact

  • Fear of rejection in relationships
  • Anxiety over long-term health risks
  • Social stigma related to STI status

📍 Support, education, and counseling can help men navigate these challenges.

📌 The most serious complications of HPV often develop silently. That’s why prevention, vaccination, and early intervention matter more than ever.

HPV Testing for Men

Unlike women, routine HPV testing is not widely available for men—especially if they are asymptomatic. This can make it difficult to know if you’re infected or carrying a high-risk strain. However, there are still specific scenarios where HPV-related testing may be recommended.

🔍 1. No Standard HPV Test for Men

  • Currently, there’s no FDA-approved HPV test for the general male population
  • HPV in men is typically diagnosed based on visual inspection (e.g., genital warts)
  • Testing is often limited to high-risk groups or men with symptoms

📌 This means many men are HPV-positive without ever knowing it.

2. Anal Pap Test (for High-Risk Men)

Men who have sex with men (MSM) or who are HIV-positive may be advised to undergo anal cancer screening, especially if receptive anal sex is practiced.

Anal Pap Test:

  • Collects cells from the anal lining
  • Detects abnormal or precancerous changes caused by high-risk HPV
  • May be followed by anoscopy or biopsy if results are abnormal

📍 Regular screening can catch precancerous changes early, improving outcomes.

3. Biopsy of Warts or Lesions

If a man has visible warts or unusual growths, a healthcare provider may:

  • Perform a biopsy to rule out cancer
  • Use acetic acid (vinegar test) to highlight flat lesions
  • Recommend further evaluation depending on location (genital, anal, oral)

4. Limitations of HPV Testing in Men

  • Blood tests do not detect HPV
  • Testing may not identify the virus unless warts or lesions are present
  • No current method tells where the virus is located (oral, anal, genital)

📌 Due to limited testing options, prevention and vaccination are your best defense. If you’re in a high-risk group, talk to your provider about screening options.

HPV Treatment and Management

There is no cure for the HPV virus itself, but the symptoms and complications it causes—like genital warts or precancerous lesions—can be treated and managed effectively. In most men, the immune system will naturally clear the virus within 1–2 years.

💊 1. Treating Genital Warts

If warts appear, treatment can:

  • Remove visible lesions
  • Reduce discomfort
  • Lower the chance of transmission

Treatment options include:

  • Topical medications (e.g., imiquimod, podofilox, sinecatechins)
  • Cryotherapy (freezing the warts with liquid nitrogen)
  • Surgical removal (for larger or persistent warts)
  • Laser therapy or electrocautery in select cases

📍 Treatment removes the warts—but not the virus itself.

2. Monitoring High-Risk HPV Strains

Although there’s no direct treatment for high-risk HPV infections, monitoring is essential to:

  • Detect precancerous changes early (especially in the anus or throat)
  • Follow up with biopsy or specialist referral if abnormalities are found
  • Manage any long-term risk with appropriate care

📌 Men who are HIV-positive or MSM may need regular anal Pap testing as a precaution.

3. Natural Clearance by the Immune System

  • Most HPV infections are cleared naturally by the immune system within 6–24 months
  • Healthy lifestyle factors can help your body fight the virus:
  • Adequate sleep

    • Good nutrition

    • Avoiding smoking or excessive alcohol

    • Managing stress

🗓️ 4. When to Follow Up with a Doctor

You should consult a healthcare provider if you have:

  • Visible warts or skin changes on the genitals or anus
  • Persistent sore throat or difficulty swallowing
  • Bleeding, itching, or discharge from the anus
  • A history of HPV exposure and are part of a high-risk group

📌 While HPV can’t be cured, it can be controlled. Timely treatment, healthy habits, and regular checkups will help you stay on top of your health.

How to Prevent HPV

Although HPV is extremely common, it’s also highly preventable. Taking a few simple precautions can significantly reduce your risk of infection—and help protect your current and future partners.

💉 1. Get Vaccinated (Gardasil 9)

The HPV vaccine is the most effective way to prevent infection from both low-risk (wart-causing) and high-risk (cancer-causing) HPV types.

Gardasil 9 protects against:

  • HPV types 6 and 11 (genital warts)
  • HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58 (high-risk cancer strains)

Vaccination guidelines for men:

  • Recommended for boys and men aged 9–26
  • Approved for men up to age 45, especially if not previously vaccinated
  • Most effective before sexual activity begins, but still beneficial afterward

📌 The vaccine does not treat existing HPV infections—but it can prevent future ones.

✅ 2. Use Condoms and Dental Dams

Condoms reduce—but do not eliminate—HPV transmission risk because the virus can infect areas not covered by the condom.

  • Use condoms during vaginal, anal, and oral sex
  • Use dental dams for oral-genital or oral-anal contact

📍 Consistent use lowers transmission and can reduce the spread of other STIs too.

✅ 3. Limit Number of Sexual Partners

The more partners you have, the higher the chance of exposure.

  • Choose mutual monogamy when possible
  • Know your partner’s STI status and communicate openly

✅ 4. Avoid Sexual Contact When Warts Are Present

  • Genital warts are highly contagious
  • Avoid sex or skin-to-skin contact if you or your partner has visible lesions

📌 Even if the warts are gone, the virus may still be present—suppressive care and disclosure are key.

✅ 5. Maintain a Healthy Immune System

  • Eat a balanced diet
  • Exercise regularly
  • Sleep well and manage stress
  • Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol

📍 A stronger immune system helps your body clear HPV more efficiently.

📌 Prevention is easier than treatment. Getting vaccinated, practicing safer sex, and staying informed are your best lines of defense against HPV.

FAQs About HPV in Men

❓ Can men get tested for HPV?

There is no routine HPV test for men without symptoms. However, men with genital warts or those in high-risk groups (e.g., MSM, HIV-positive) may undergo anal Pap tests or biopsies for diagnosis.

❓ Does HPV go away on its own in men?

Yes. In most cases, the immune system clears HPV naturally within 6 to 24 months. However, some high-risk strains may persist, increasing the risk of complications.

❓ Can I have HPV and not know it?

Absolutely. HPV is often asymptomatic in men, meaning you can carry and transmit the virus without visible warts or signs of infection.

❓ Can I transmit HPV even if I have no symptoms?

Yes. The virus can still be shed from the skin and transmitted to partners even when you feel completely healthy. This is known as asymptomatic viral shedding.

❓ Will the HPV vaccine help if I already have HPV?

Yes. The vaccine won’t treat an existing infection, but it can protect against other HPV types you haven’t been exposed to yet—making it worthwhile even if you’re already sexually active.

❓ Do genital warts mean I have cancer?

No. Genital warts are caused by low-risk HPV types (usually HPV 6 or 11) and are not linked to cancer. However, other high-risk HPV strains can cause cancer without visible symptoms.

Final Thoughts

HPV in men is more common—and more serious—than most people realize. While it often causes no symptoms, it can still be transmitted to partners and, in some cases, lead to serious complications like genital warts or cancer.

The good news? HPV is preventable.

  • Vaccination offers powerful protection
  • Safe sex practices lower your risk
  • And staying informed puts you in control

👉 Whether you’re single, in a relationship, or just looking after your long-term health, taking steps to understand and prevent HPV is one of the smartest decisions you can make.

Protect your future. Protect your partners. Stay one step ahead of HPV.