In males, human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause genital warts on the penis and elsewhere around the genital and anal area. The warts may appear as small or large bumps, which may be flat, raised, or cauliflower-shaped.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) affects the skin and moist membranes that line the body. It is a group of more than 100 viruses, and different types of HPV occur in different areas of the body.
HPV types 6 and 11 are responsible for most cases of genital warts. HPV types 16 and 18 cause most HPV-related cancers.
A note about sex and gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Learn more.
In many cases, males with HPV often develop no symptoms, and some may never develop health problems relating to it. HPV may also go away on its own within 2 years.
However, when it does not go away, it can cause health problems like genital warts and cancer. It is important to note that the types of HPV that cause warts, do not cause cancer.
Possible symptoms of HPV
- warts
- unusual growths
- lumps
Genital warts can be small or large, flat or raised, or cauliflower-shaped. They might appear as a bump or group of bumps in the area surrounding the penis, anus, or genitals. These warts do not often hurt but can be unsightly.
HPV is not cancer, but the HPV virus can cause changes in the body that may lead to cancer. Types of HPV that can lead to cancer are known as high risk, or oncogenic, HPV types.
A doctor may not diagnose cancer for years after a person has HPV because the changes in the cells that have HPV build up very slowly. The immune system can successfully control HPV infections. However, when a high risk HPV infection persists for many years, it
High risk HPV infections do not cause typically cause symptoms. However, depending on the site of infection, a person may notice symptoms such as lumps, bleeding, and pain.
The symptoms of HPV-related anal cancer include:
- bleeding, discharge, pain, or itching of the anus
- swelling of the lymph nodes in the anal or groin area
- changes in bowel habits or the shape of stools
Penile cancer can lead to:
- tissue changes on the penis, such as color, skin thickening, or tissue buildup
- painful or painless sores or growths on the penis that might bleed
Cancer of the back of the throat can trigger:
- constant sore throat or ear pain
- persistent coughing
- trouble breathing or swallowing
- weight loss
- voice changes or hoarseness
- lumps or growths in the neck
A 2023 systematic review indicates that globally, almost 1 in 3 men over the age of 15 have an infection with at least one genital HPV type. The review also suggests that 1 in 5 have an infection with one or more of a high risk type.
HPV transmits through direct and intimate contact, including sexual contact. The virus can spread from one person to another through oral, anal, or vaginal sex, or if the skin touches that of another person.
If someone has HPV, they can spread the virus, even when they have never had visible symptoms.
The chance of a person contracting HPV increases due to certain factors, including:
- a sexual history that includes multiple partners
- age as HPV occurs more often in adolescence or young adulthood
- being uncircumcised
- damaged skin
People should consult a doctor if warts of any kind appear on the genitals or if warts occur that cause discomfort or pain.
While some types of HPV can only cause genital warts, others can cause cancers as well. Doctors diagnose almost
Doctors have linked HPV to the development of the following cancers:
- HPV might be responsible for more than
90%Trusted Source of cases of anal cancer. - More than 60% of penile cancers start with HPV.
- Around 70% of people with oropharyngeal cancer might have it due to HPV.
Additionally, evidence notes that those who receive anal sex are more likely to contract anal HPV and develop anal cancer than those who do not.
Males who have a weakened immune system due to HIV are more likely to acquire HPV. As such, those living with HIV are more likely to develop HPV-associated warts, precancers, and cancers.
Read on to learn more about the link between HPV and HIV.
No treatments are
No routine screening is currently available to diagnose HPV in males. However, a doctor can often diagnose whether a person has HPV by examining any warts that have appeared. If an individual has several risk factors, a doctor may also swab the anal region for HPV.
A doctor can treat the resulting genital warts with prescription medication or surgically remove them.
The medicines may help to stop the warts from growing or boost the immune system to fight HPV. The surgical removal of warts may involve freezing them, cutting them, destroying them with an electric current, or destroying them with lasers.
Getting rid of warts might not prevent the transmission of the virus to a sexual partner, however.
If a person does not receive treatment for genital warts, they are unlikely to turn into cancer. More likely, they will go away, grow, multiply, or stay the same.
If HPV develops into one of its common forms of cancer, a doctor or cancer specialist will treat the individual with a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Prevention of HPV in males
Receiving vaccines and using condoms correctly during sex can lower the risk of contracting HPV. However, condoms cannot provide full protection against HPV because it may be present in areas that a condom does not cover.
Though no treatment is available, the vaccine available in the U.S. can help to prevent HPV. The
Healthcare professionals recommend people receive the HPV vaccine at age
Two doses of the HPV are recommended for those starting the series before their 15th birthday. It is advisable they receive the second dose 6 to 12 months after the first dose. Adoelscents who receive two doses less than 5 month apart will require a third dose of the HPV vaccine.
For individuals who start the vaccine series between ages 15 to 26, and those with a weak immune system, it is advisable to receive three doses of the vaccine. The recommended dose schedule is 0, 1 to 2, and 6 months.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have approved Gardasil 9, a vaccine suitable for individuals aged
In 2014, Gardasil 9 only received approval as safe up to 26 years of age. The FDA have updated this to include adults up to 45 years old if they did not receive a vaccine when younger.
The HPV vaccine is safe and effective. Studies have reported no serious side effects, although the FDA advise that it might cause pain at the injection site, swelling, slight discoloration, and headaches.
The vaccine does not prevent other STIs or treat people who already have HPV or HPV-related diseases.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an HPV infection typically resolves without treatment within
Nevertheless, viruses are difficult for a doctor to treat actively, and developing immunity might take months or even years. A person could potentially have HPV for many years before receiving a diagnosis or experiencing complications.
If a person has genital warts, they should avoid sexual contact until they treat the condition.
The period during which genital warts can spread after removal is unknown. Wearing a barrier contraceptive, such as a condom, can help prevent further spread.
Although HPV is common, and most sexually active adults will have HPV at some point in their lifetime, HPV-related cancers and health problems are less common overall.
