FAQs and Answers About Genital HPV in Men

Genital Human Papillomavirus (HPV), commonly known as condyloma or genital warts, is a prevalent sexually transmitted infection (STI). This FAQ (frequently asked questions) aims to provide clear and concise answers to common questions about HPV, including its transmission, symptoms, prevention, and treatment options.

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FAQs and answers about genital HPV in men

Here’s a list of FAQs and answers about genital HPV (human papillomavirus) in men:

What is genital HPV?

Genital HPV is a common STI caused by the human papillomavirus. There are many types of HPV, some of which can cause genital warts, while others are associated with certain cancers, such as penile, anal, and throat cancers.

How is genital HPV transmitted?

Genital HPV is transmitted primarily through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. It can also be spread through skin-to-skin contact with an infected area.

What are the symptoms of genital HPV in men?

Many men with genital HPV do not experience any symptoms and may not even know they are infected. When symptoms do occur, they may include genital warts (small bumps or groups of bumps in the genital area) or changes in the skin that may not be visible.

Can genital HPV cause cancer in men?

Yes, certain high-risk types of HPV can lead to cancers in men, including penile, anal, and oropharyngeal (throat) cancers. However, not all men with HPV will develop cancer.

How can men reduce and protect their risk of getting genital HPV?

Men can reduce their risk of getting genital HPV by:

Getting vaccinated with the HPV vaccine.
Using condoms during sex,
Limiting the number of sexual partners.
Having open discussions with sexual partners about STI testing and protection.

Is there an HPV test for men?

There is no routine HPV test for men. HPV testing is primarily used in women as part of cervical cancer screening. However, men who are at higher risk (e.g., men who have sex with men, or those with HIV) may be recommended to undergo anal Pap tests to screen for HPV-related changes.

Can genital HPV be cured?

There is no cure for the virus itself, but the body’s immune system often clears HPV on its own over time. Treatment is available for symptoms caused by HPV, such as genital warts or precancerous changes in the skin.

Should men get the HPV vaccine?

Yes, the HPV vaccine is recommended for boys and men up to age 26 and can be given up to age 45 in certain cases. The vaccine is highly effective in preventing infection with the types of HPV that most commonly cause genital warts and cancers.

Can a man with genital HPV pass the virus to his partner?

Yes, a man with genital HPV can pass the virus to his partner(s) through sexual contact, even if he has no symptoms.

Can genital warts be treated?

Yes, genital warts can be treated through various methods, including topical medications, freezing (cryotherapy), electrocotherisation or surgical removal. However, treatment removes the warts but does not cure the underlying HPV infection.

Can genital HPV be transmitted through common courtyard use and toilet use?

Genital HPV is primarily transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected area of the body during sexual activity. It is not typically spread through inanimate objects like toilet seats or by using shared spaces such as common courtyards.

Here’s why:

Common Courtyard Use: Simply being in a common courtyard or any shared space where infected individuals have been does not pose a risk of HPV transmission. The virus does not linger in the air or on surfaces in a way that would allow transmission through casual contact.
Toilet Use: HPV is not transmitted through using toilets or bathroom facilities. Even if an infected person has used the toilet, the virus would not be transmitted unless there is direct contact with infected genital or anal skin.
Hygiene and Precautions: While HPV is very common and often asymptomatic, practicing good hygiene and safe sex practices (like using condoms) can reduce the risk of transmission during sexual activity.

Can genital HPV be transmitted by using shared towels?

It is not typically spread through inanimate objects like towels, although there are some considerations:

Shared Towels: While HPV is not commonly spread through shared towels, there is a theoretical possibility of transmission if a towel is shared immediately after it has been in contact with infected genital or anal skin. However, this scenario is considered unlikely because HPV does not survive for long on surfaces and requires direct contact with the skin to be transmitted.
Precautions: To minimize any potential risk:
- It’s advisable not to share towels with someone who has visible genital warts or lesions.
- Using separate towels for personal hygiene can further reduce any possible risk.
General Hygiene: Practicing good hygiene, including regular hand washing and using clean towels, helps reduce the transmission of various infections

Does genital HPV cause cancer in men?

Yes, genital HPV can cause cancer in men, although it is less common than in women. HPV infections can lead to the development of several types of cancer, including:

Penile Cancer: Particularly HPV types 16 and 18.
Anal Cancer: Particularly high-risk types like HPV 16 and 18.
Oropharyngeal Cancer: HPV type 16, is a significant risk factor for cancers of the oropharynx.

What are the types of HPV?

HPV is a diverse group of viruses with over 200 known types. These types can be broadly categorized into:

Low-Risk HPV Types (Non-oncogenic):

HPV 6: Associated with genital warts (condylomata acuminata) and benign lesions.
HPV 11: Also linked to genital warts and benign lesions.
HPV 42, 43, 44: Generally considered low-risk types associated with mild papillomatosis (benign growths).
High-Risk HPV Types (Oncogenic):

HPV 16: Most commonly associated with HPV-related cancers, including cervical cancer, anal cancer, penile cancer, and oropharyngeal cancer.
HPV 18: Another high-risk type strongly linked to cervical cancer and other anogenital cancers.
HPV 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 68: These are also high-risk types associated with various cancers, though HPV 16 and 18 are the most prevalent and aggressive in terms of oncogenic potential.
Probable High-Risk Types:
HPV 26, 53, 66, 67, 70, 73, 82: These types are classified as probable high-risk due to their association with some cases of cancer, but their role is not as well-established as the definitive high-risk types.
Low-Risk Types with Unknown Oncogenic Potential:
HPV 61, 62, 81, 83, 84, 89: These types are primarily associated with benign lesions and their oncogenic potential is not well-documented.
Cutaneous (Skin) HPV Types:
HPV 2, 3, 7, 10, 27, 57, etc.: These types predominantly infect the skin, causing common warts (such as on the hands and feet) and other benign skin lesions.

What types of HPV cause genital infection in men?

These HPV types can be categorized into low-risk and high-risk types based on their association with genital warts and cancer, respectively.

Low-Risk HPV Types (Non-oncogenic):
- HPV 6: This type of HPV is commonly associated with genital warts (condylomata acuminata) in both men and women
- HPV 11: Similar to HPV 6, this type is also associated with genital warts, though it may be less common than HPV 6.
High-Risk HPV Types (Oncogenic):
- HPV 16: This is the most common high-risk type of HPV associated with cancers of the anus, penis, and oropharynx (throat, base of the tongue, tonsils). It is also a common cause of cervical cancer in women.
- HPV 18: Another high-risk type associated with cancers of the anus, penis, and also a significant cause of cervical cancer in women.
- Other High-Risk Types: These include HPV 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, and 68, among others.
Other Types:
- HPV 45: Although less common, HPV 45 is notable because it has a higher oncogenic potential similar to HPV 16 and 18.

Summary

The FAQ about Genital HPV provides concise answers to common questions regarding this sexually transmitted infection. This resource aims to offer clear and understandable information to enhance awareness and knowledge about genital HPV.

Prof. Dr. Emin ÖZBEK

Urologist

Istanbul- TURKIYE