{"id":246423,"date":"2025-07-24T13:04:58","date_gmt":"2025-07-24T13:04:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/?p=246423"},"modified":"2026-03-27T13:05:35","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T13:05:35","slug":"vaccine-hpv-in-men-what-it-is-causes-symptoms-treatment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/vaccine-hpv-in-men-what-it-is-causes-symptoms-treatment\/","title":{"rendered":"HPV in Men: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n<\/head>

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Table of Contents<\/p>\nToggle<\/span>

Introduction<\/a><\/li>
What is HPV (Human Papillomavirus)?<\/a><\/li>
How is HPV Transmitted?<\/a><\/li>
Why HPV is a Concern for Men<\/a><\/li>
Risks & Complications of HPV in Men<\/a><\/li>
Symptoms of HPV in Men<\/a><\/li>
Cancers Linked to HPV in Men<\/a><\/li>
HPV Testing for Men<\/a><\/li>
Treatment Options for HPV in Men<\/a><\/li>
HPV Vaccine for Men<\/a><\/li>
How to Prevent Spreading HPV<\/a><\/li>
When to See a Doctor<\/a><\/li>
Conclusion<\/a><\/li>
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/a><\/li>
References<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n \n <\/span>\n $\"Join$ \n <\/a>\n
<\/span>Introduction<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection is a sexually transmitted infection commonly affecting both men and women. Some types of HPV are considered low-risk and may cause warts, while others are high-risk types and that can even lead to cancer.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
HPV is more often discussed in women due to the risk of cervical cancer. However, there a 90% probability of men too being infected with HPV through their lifetime. Though not always serious, it can sometimes cause cancer of the penis, anus, or certain parts of the throat, such as the base of the tongue and tonsils ^{1<\/sup><\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n}
In this blog, we will focus on HPV in men, how to get tested and manage this infection.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>What is HPV (Human Papillomavirus)?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
HPV is a virus that infects the surface layers of the skin and mucus membranes (thin linings) of the body areas like the genitals, anus, and parts of the throat, commonly spread through sexual contact. It can cause infections in these areas of skin with minor or sometimes even no symptoms, especially in cases of genital infection. The rate of HPV in men is high throughout their lives, while in women, the infection rate reduces as they age.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are over 200 HPV types and are mainly classified as: the low-risk type (like HPV-6, 11)\u00a0 the high-risk type (like HPV-16, 18) of HPV. Women are infected more often with the high-risk type, while in men, both the high- and low-risk types are equally common ^{1<\/sup><\/a>^,<\/sup>}^{2<\/sup><\/a>.^{<\/sup>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n}}
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In my practice, I have noticed that a lot of cases of oropharyngeal cancers in men occur due to HPV-16, after smoking. These men are at a life long risk of cancer, not just younger age groups.<\/p>\nDr. Kathak Shah, MBBS, DDV, Fellowship in lasers & aesthetics, Fellowship in Dermatosurgery<\/a><\/strong><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>How is HPV Transmitted?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
HPV is easily spread from one person to another in different ways, such as:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Through vaginal, oral, and anal sex.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Through skin-to-skin contact.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
By touching contaminated underwear or shared objects.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
By hand contact, if the virus is present on the skin ^{2<\/sup><\/a>.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n}
The risk is higher in men who have sex with men, in those who are HIV-positive, or in those with infected partners. In rare cases, HPV can also pass to a unborn children through sperm or egg, leading to infection ^{3<\/sup><\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n}
<\/span>Why HPV is a Concern for Men<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
HPV infections can be concerning for men because they often have no symptoms, and many are unaware that they have an infection which can easily pass to their partners.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In men, the low-risk type HPV can cause warts (growths on skin) on gentiles or mouth\/throat, but the high-risk type can lead to more serious health issues like cancers affecting the skin around the penis and anus and some mouth\/throat cancers. Some research studies also suggest that HPV may affect sperm quality in men, although a clear link has not been proven yet.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moreover in men, the immune response to HPV is often less effective in clearing the virus completely, and it may remain in the body or come back later. This means the virus can stay for a long time in the body or become active again, causing reinfection and unintentional spread to their partner.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>
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