HPV in males can cause genital warts and increase the risk of cancer in the penis, anus, or throat. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential, and individuals with compromised immune systems are at higher risk. Genital warts can be managed with medication or surgery, while cancerous conditions may require a combination of treatments. Past partners should be notified to detect other HPV infections.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted disease known to increase the likelihood of cervical cancer and other complications in women. Most men who come into contact with the virus never develop symptoms, although it is possible for males to have some potentially serious health problems. For example, HPV in males can cause outbreaks of genital warts that can be passed on to partners during sexual activity. Additionally, some strains of HPV in males can lead to cancer of the penis, anus, or throat. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential, so it’s important for sexually active men to get tested periodically and be able to recognize HPV symptoms when they are present.
Most healthy adult males have no symptoms when exposed to HPV. Individuals who have compromised immune systems due to HIV, cancer treatments, or other factors have a higher risk of developing active HPV infections. The risk increases significantly if such men have unprotected sex with multiple partners.
Genital warts are the most common effect of HPV in males and the first outbreak can appear two weeks to several months after coming into contact with an infected person. Warts typically appear on or around the penis and scrotum, although they can also grow near the anus. A person can have a single wart or multiple lesions during an outbreak. Warts are typically raised, redder than the surrounding skin, and soft to the touch. HPV-related genital warts rarely cause pain or discomfort.
HPV in males can also increase the risk of developing cancer. Because the strains of HPV that cause cancer are unrelated to those that cause genital warts, an individual is unlikely to develop both problems. The penis is the most likely area for the onset of cancer symptoms. Penile cancer can be characterized by a palpable lump or an open, bleeding wound. If the problem is left untreated, a man may begin to experience chronic and constant pain and tenderness.
Anal cancer is also a possible effect of HPV in males who engage in anal sex with other men. When symptoms are present, they can include unusual bleeding from the anus, pain during intercourse and bowel movements, and an insatiable itching sensation. As the cancer begins to spread, the lymph nodes in the groin region can become swollen and tender. In addition to cancer of the penis and anus, some men develop throat tumors that can cause significant swallowing, speech, and breathing problems in the later stages.
There is no cure for HPV, but most cases of genital warts can be managed effectively with medication or surgery. Cancerous conditions may require a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy to fight the malignant tumors and reduce the chances of the cancer spreading to other parts of the body. Patients who have been diagnosed with HPV-related health problems are strongly encouraged to notify their past partners in hopes of detecting other HPV infections before they cause major symptoms.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
