What is hpv for men

Genital warts can come back, even after treatment. The types of HPV that cause warts do not cause cancer. These include cervical cancer in women, penile cancer in men, and anal cancer in both women and men.

HPV can also cause cancer in the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils called oropharyngeal cancer. All of these cancers are caused by HPV infections that did not go away. Cancer develops very slowly and may not be diagnosed until years, or even decades, after a person first gets infected with HPV. Currently, there is no way to know who will have only a temporary HPV infection, and who will develop cancer after getting HPV.

However, some healthcare providers do offer anal Pap tests to men who may be at increased risk for anal cancer, including men with HIV or men who receive anal sex. If you have symptoms and are concerned about cancer, please see a healthcare provider.

Genital warts can be treated by your healthcare provider, or with prescription medication. HPV-related cancers are more treatable when diagnosed and treated promptly. For more information, visit www. Vaccination is not recommended for everyone older than age 26 years. Males who have a weakened immune system due to HIV or other reasons have a higher chance of developing HPV-related anal cancer than others.

Males with HIV also tend to develop more severe genital warts that are harder to treat. No treatments are currently available for HPV, but disease management can help HPV-related conditions and some of the symptoms. 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 surgical removal of warts involves freezing or burning them off, depending on their size, location, and shape.

This method is known as cryotherapy. 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. 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, three effective vaccines can help prevent HPV.

Sometimes, they can also cause cell changes that may lead to cancer. Warts may also occur on the back of your throat.

If you notice any abnormal skin changes in these areas, see a doctor immediately for further evaluation. Both men and women can contract HPV from having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has an infection.

Three male subpopulations are at an increased risk for developing HPV-related health problems. These include:. Data from to indicates that there are approximately 41, HPV-related cancers in the United States each year. Of these, almost 24, occurred in women and about 17, occurred in men. Cervical cancer is the most common HPV-related cancer in women.

Throat cancer is the most common HPV-related cancer in men. Due to the high correlation between cervical cancer and HPV , much effort has gone into creating tools to diagnose HPV in women. Currently, there are no approved tests to detect HPV in men. Some people may carry and possibly spread the virus for years without ever knowing. You should see your doctor immediately if you notice any abnormal skin growths or changes in your penile, scrotal, anal, or throat areas.

Page last reviewed: 19 March Next review due: 19 March Human papillomavirus HPV. HPV affects the skin. There are more than different types. You do not need to have penetrative sex. You can get HPV from: any skin-to-skin contact of the genital area vaginal, anal or oral sex sharing sex toys HPV has no symptoms, so you may not know if you have it. Important You do not have to have sexual contact with a lot of people to get HPV.