When we talk about HPV (Human Papillomavirus), many people’s first reaction is that it is closely related to women’s health, especially the risk of cervical cancer. However, an undeniable fact is that men also can be infected with HPV and may face a series of health issues and challenges.
What is HPV?
HPV is a group of viruses, with over 150 different types. Most HPV infections have no obvious symptoms, and the body’s immune system usually clears the virus within two years. However, some types of HPV can lead to health problems such as genital warts and cancers including anal, penile, and oropharyngeal cancer.
Symptoms of HPV infection in men
HPV infection can be classified as low-risk and high-risk types, each associated with different symptoms. Here are some symptoms that men may experience after being infected with HPV:
1. Genital Warts
Common symptoms: Genital warts are one of the most common manifestations of HPV infection, especially among sexually active young men. They typically appear on the genital area, anus, perineum, or inner thigh as small, soft growths that may be colorless or slightly darker, with shapes like cauliflower, flat, or granular. These warts may gradually increase in number or size, sometimes accompanied by mild itching or discomfort.
2. Flat Warts
Characteristics: Flat warts are commonly found on the face, back of hands, forearms, appearing as flat, slightly elevated papules ranging from the size of a millet seed to a soybean, with colors close to skin tone or slightly light brown. They are usually painless but may affect appearance.
3. Common Warts
Occurrence: Common warts may appear on hands, soles of feet, or around fingernails, presenting as rough, hard protrusions with black spots (capillaries). Friction or pressure on these warts may cause pain.
4. Oral Warts
Less common symptoms: In some cases, HPV infection can also lead to the presence of warts inside the mouth, especially in individuals infected with HPV through oral sexual practices. These warts may be located on the tongue, inner lips, or back of the throat, affecting swallowing or causing discomfort.
5. Other Potential Impacts
Long-term risks: Although relatively rare, certain high-risk HPV infections are linked to cancers of the male reproductive system, including penile, anal cancers, among others. These conditions typically develop years after infection and may have no obvious symptoms in the early stages.
Not all men infected with HPV will experience symptoms; many carriers may be asymptomatic and unknowingly transmit the virus to others. Therefore, maintaining good sexual health habits, such as using contraceptive measures, undergoing regular sexual health checkups, and considering HPV vaccination, are crucial for preventing HPV infection and related diseases. If any of the above symptoms occur, it is advisable to consult a doctor promptly to receive proper diagnosis and treatment.
Risk factors for HPV infection in men
1. Sexual transmission is the primary route
HPV is mainly transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sexual practices. Any sexually active man is at risk of HPV infection, even those with only one sexual partner.
2. High-risk behaviors
Having multiple sexual partners, engaging in unsafe sexual practices, and being a homosexual or bisexual male increase the risk of HPV infection.
Prevention of HPV in men
1. Vaccination: Vaccination against HPV is the most effective way to prevent HPV infection. The vaccine can prevent various types of HPV, including those associated with cancers and genital warts. It is recommended to receive the vaccine during adolescence or early adulthood, but adults can also get vaccinated.
2. Use of condoms: Using condoms during sexual activities can reduce the risk of HPV transmission. However, condoms cannot completely prevent HPV infection because HPV can infect skin outside the genital area.
3. Limiting number of sexual partners: Restricting the number of sexual partners and maintaining relatively stable sexual relationships can reduce the risk of HPV infection.
4. Regular health checkups: Undergoing regular health checkups, especially for sexually transmitted disease screenings, can help in early detection and treatment of HPV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases.
5. Avoiding high-risk sexual behaviors: Avoiding high-risk sexual activities such as engaging in unprotected sex with multiple partners, drug use, and having sexual relations with individuals of unknown health conditions.
6. Good hygiene habits: Maintaining cleanliness of the genital area, avoiding sharing personal hygiene items such as towels and razors.
7. Knowing partner’s health status: Understanding and discussing your sexual partner’s health status, especially whether they have any sexually transmitted diseases, can help in taking appropriate preventive measures.
8. Education and awareness: Understanding the transmission pathways, risks, and prevention measures of HPV, and sharing this information with sexual partners, can help collectively prevent infections.
Implementing these measures can significantly reduce the risk of HPV infection in men and protect their own and their partner’s health. If there are further questions, it is recommended to consult healthcare professionals.
Treatment for HPV infection in men
After viral infection, some people’s immune systems can naturally clear the virus without the need for specific treatment. However, if symptoms such as genital warts or other related diseases appear, treatment becomes particularly important. Here are some common treatment methods:
1. Daily management
Personal hygiene: Maintain cleanliness and dryness in the genital area to avoid friction and irritation.
Lifestyle adjustments: Regular sleep patterns, balanced diet, boosting immunity, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption to promote the body’s natural virus clearance.
2. Drug therapy
Topical medications: For small warts, topical medications like imiquimod cream, podophyllotoxin solution, fluorouracil cream, etc., can be used to promote wart detachment.
Oral medications: Occasionally, doctors may recommend oral immune modulators like transfer factor oral solution, thymosin peptide enteric-coated tablets, or injection of recombinant human interferon α2b to enhance immune response against the virus.
3. Physical therapy
Local treatments: Including laser therapy, cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen), electrocautery, microwave therapy, photodynamic therapy, etc., these methods can directly act on warts to promote rapid shedding.
4. Surgical treatment
Surgical excision: For larger or warts that are unresponsive to medications and physical treatments, surgical excision may be necessary.
Local surgery: Aimed at completely removing lesion tissues, reducing the risk of recurrence.
5. Regular follow-ups
Monitoring progress: After treatment, regular follow-ups with the doctor for necessary examinations such as blood tests and skin checks help monitor virus activity and assess treatment effectiveness.
Precautions
During the treatment process, avoid sexual contact to prevent virus transmission to others.
Maintain a positive attitude and cooperate with treatment as some methods may require a long time or repeated sessions.
HPV vaccination can prevent certain types of HPV infection. Despite being ineffective against types already infected, it still offers protection against other uninfected high-risk types. It is advisable to consider vaccination under medical supervision.
Remember, specific treatment plans should be customized by professional doctors based on individual conditions. Do not self-medicate or treat.
Men also face the risk of HPV infection. Understanding the transmission pathways, symptoms, preventive measures, and treatment methods of this virus is crucial. Vaccination, practicing safe sexual behaviors, and regular checkups are effective preventive measures. By increasing awareness of HPV, we can better protect our health and lead healthier and fulfilling lives.
