Can Men Carry HPV?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection that affects both men and women. It is estimated that about 80% of sexually active people will contract HPV at some point in their lives. While most cases clear up on their own, some strains of HPV can lead to health problems including genital warts and certain types of cancer.
While it is well-known that women can carry HPV and develop related health issues, there is less understanding about the impact of HPV on men. In this article, we will explore whether men can carry HPV and what the potential risks may be.
1. What is HPV?
HPV is a viral infection that is primarily transmitted through sexual contact. There are over 100 different strains of HPV, with some causing visible symptoms such as genital warts, while others remain hidden and do not cause any outward signs.
Some types of HPV can have more serious health consequences, namely an increased risk of certain cancers. These cancers can include cervical cancer, anal cancer, penile cancer, and oropharyngeal cancer.
It’s important to note that even if someone has HPV, they may never develop any symptoms or health problems. In fact, many people who contract the virus will never know they have it.
2. Can Men Carry HPV?
In short, yes – men can carry HPV. Men and women can both contract the virus through sexual contact, which means that both genders are equally susceptible to infection.
While men cannot develop cervical cancer, they can develop other types of cancer linked to HPV. This includes anal cancer, penile cancer, and oropharyngeal cancer. Men who have sex with men are at a higher risk of contracting anal cancer due to the specific nature of the type of sexual contact involved.
3. How is HPV Diagnosed in Men?
In many cases, HPV will not produce any symptoms that are visible to the naked eye. As such, men may not know that they have HPV until they develop related health issues.
Genital warts are one visible symptom of HPV that may be present for both men and women. In men, genital warts can appear on the penis, scrotum, or anus.
For men who do not have visible symptoms, they can still be tested for HPV through a simple swab or urine test. It’s important to note, however, that there is currently no FDA-approved test for diagnosing HPV in men.
4. What Are the Risks of HPV in Men?
While many people with HPV will never develop any related health issues, there are some risks associated with the virus particularly in men.
As previously mentioned, men who contract HPV are at a higher risk of developing anal cancer and penile cancer. Additionally, men who have sex with men are at an increased risk of oropharyngeal cancer.
It’s also important to note that men can pass on HPV to their sexual partners, even if they are not exhibiting any visible symptoms. This is one reason why it is critical for both men and women to practice safe sex and get tested regularly for STDs.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, men can carry HPV just like women can. While men may not develop certain health issues related to HPV such as cervical cancer, they are at an increased risk of other cancers such as anal cancer and penile cancer. Additionally, men can pass on HPV to their sexual partners even if they aren’t showing any symptoms themselves.
The good news is that there are vaccines available for both men and women that can help prevent certain strains of HPV. Practicing safe sex and regularly getting tested for STDs can also help reduce the transmission of HPV and other sexual infections.