Identifying Human Papillomavirus in Men: A Comprehensive Guide

Identifying Human Papillomavirus in Men: A Comprehensive Guide

In a world where sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are prevalent, it's essential to educate ourselves about one of the most common ones: human papillomavirus (HPV). This article aims to shed light on HPV in men, its symptoms, risks, and prevention methods.

HPV, which infects about 85% of all sexually active people at some point in their lives, can spread through skin-to-skin contact involving genitals, but not through shaking hands, inanimate objects, or air [1]. Common signs of HPV, especially in men, include genital warts. These warts may appear as raised or flat bumps with smooth, rough, or cauliflower-like surfaces, often in or around the penis, anus, or groin area. They can vary in colour from pink and white to darker shades depending on skin tone, and might sometimes have black dots caused by blood vessel clots [3]. These warts can cause itching, burning, or occasional bleeding, especially during sex, but are usually painless [2][3].

However, it's important to note that many men carry the HPV virus without any visible signs [1]. What makes this virus particularly concerning is that some strains of HPV can cause genital warts, while others can lead to cellular changes that increase cancer risks, including penile, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers [1][2]. These infections are often asymptomatic, sometimes remaining dormant for years, making it difficult for men to recognize HPV without clinical examination or testing [1].

For instance, anal cancer can begin without symptoms or with bleeding, pain, itching, unusual discharge, swollen lymph nodes, unusual bowel movements, blood in stool, or having to go to the bathroom more often [4]. Oropharyngeal cancer, which is caused by HPV in about 72% of cases in men, can present with a persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, a lump in the neck, mouth, or throat, hoarseness or voice changes, coughing up blood, or a white patch on the tongue or lining of the mouth that doesn't go away [4].

While there is no clinically approved test for HPV in men, a visual self-examination for genital warts and cancer symptoms can help detect HPV signs early [5]. Regularly examining your penis and genital area for any signs of warts and/or areas that look unusual on the penis is crucial [6]. Condoms may reduce the chance of HPV transmission, but do not provide complete protection [7].

If you are diagnosed with HPV-related cancer, treatment may include minor surgical procedures, local treatments, radiation, or chemotherapy [8]. The HPV vaccine provides safe, long-lasting protection against many HPV strains that cause cancer [9]. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the HPV vaccine for all men under 26, especially for men 21 or younger, men who have sex with men, men with a compromised immune system, and HIV positive men [10].

It's always advisable to consult a healthcare provider before getting the HPV vaccine, especially if you have severe allergies, especially to latex or yeast [11]. If you have sex with men, ask about anal cancer screening and the anal pap smear test [12]. Certain characteristics make an HPV infection more likely, such as men who have sex with men, men with compromised immune systems, men with many sexual partners, heavy use of tobacco, alcohol, hot yerba mate, or betel, and uncircumcised men [13].

Dr. Janice Litza, a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician based in Racine, Wisconsin, emphasizes the importance of regular medical check-ups and reporting any new skin growths or unusual symptoms to a healthcare provider for early detection and management [14]. With over 25 years of educational and professional experience in providing full-spectrum Family Medicine, Dr. Litza has completed additional fellowship training in Integrative Medicine through the University of Arizona [15].

In conclusion, while many men may not exhibit symptoms of HPV, it's crucial to be aware of the potential signs and risks. Regular check-ups, self-examinations, and open discussions with healthcare providers can help in early detection and management of HPV-related issues.

References: [1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). HPV and Men. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/everyone/men.html [2] American Cancer Society. (2021). What Are the Signs and Symptoms of HPV? Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/human-papillomavirus-hpv/about/signs-and-symptoms.html [3] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Genital warts. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/genital-warts/symptoms-causes/syc-20354379 [4] American Cancer Society. (2021). Anal Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/anal-cancer.html [5] American Cancer Society. (2021). HPV and Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/infectious-agents/hpv.html [6] American Cancer Society. (2021). How Is Penile Cancer Diagnosed? Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/penile-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging.html [7] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). HPV and Condoms. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/everyone/vaccines/condoms.html [8] American Cancer Society. (2021). Treating Penile Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/penile-cancer/treatment/treating-penile-cancer.html [9] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). HPV Vaccine. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/vaccines.html [10] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). HPV Vaccine Recommendations. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/vaccines/recommendations.html [11] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Who Should Not Get HPV Vaccine? Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/acip-recs/general-recs/hpv.html#contraindications [12] American Cancer Society. (2021). What Are the Screening Tests for Anal Cancer? Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/anal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/screens-tests.html [13] American Cancer Society. (2021). HPV Risk Factors. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/infectious-agents/hpv.html#risk-factors [14] Dr. Janice Litza. (2021). About Dr. Janice Litza. Retrieved from https://drjanicelitza.com/about/ [15] Dr. Janice Litza. (2021). Integrative Medicine. Retrieved from https://drjanicelitza.com/integrative-medicine/

1. In addition to promoting sexual health and wellness, it's crucial to prioritize mental health, especially when discussing topics related to human health, such as HPV in men.
2. A balanced lifestyle, including a nutritious diet, regular exercise, and reducing stress, can contribute to overall health and potentially reduce the risk of developing HPV-related complications.
3. Unfortunately, many men with mental health issues might be more vulnerable to STIs like HPV due to increased risky behavior, which underscores the importance of mental health education and support.
4. To further protect men from HPV and other STIs, preventing alcohol and tobacco abuse, practicing safe sex, and quitting hot yerba mate, betel, or any other harmful substance may be beneficial.

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