HPV: It's not only a "females disease"

On 5:22 PM by Anonymous
The majority of the human population believe that HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) is only a females disease; in actuality HPV can also be seen in men. It's a sexually transmitted infection and if left untreated can cause cancer. 

HPV is a common virus, where most sexually active people in the United States (U.S.) will have at some time in their lives. There are more than 40 types of HPV that are passed on through sexual contact; most often during vaginal and anal sex. HPV may also be passed on during oral sex and genital-to-genital contact. HPV can be passed on between straight and same-sex partners—even when the infected partner has no signs or symptoms.

A person can have HPV even if years have passed since he or she had sexual contact with an infected person. Most infected persons do not realize they are infected or that they are passing the virus on to a sex partner. It is also possible to get more than one type of HPV.

Facts about HPV in Men:
  • About 1% of sexually active men in the U.S. have genital warts at any one time.
  • Cancers of the penis, anus and oropharynx are uncommon, and only a subset of these       cancers are actually related to HPV. Each year in the U.S. there are about:
  • 400 men who get HPV-related cancer of the penis
  • 1,500 men who get HPV-related cancer of the anus
  • 5,600 men who get cancers of the oropharynx (back of throat), but many of these cancers are related to tobacco and alcohol use, not HPV.

Some men are more likely to develop HPV-related diseases than others such as gay and bisexual men (who have sex with other men). They're about 17 times more likely to develop anal cancer than men who only have sex with women.

Men with weakened immune systems, including those who have HIV, are more likely than other men to develop anal cancer. 

Most men who get HPV never develop any symptoms or health problems. But for those who do develop health problems, these are some of the signs and symptoms such as:

Genital Warts:
One or more growths on the penis, testicles, groin, thighs, or in/around the anus.
Warts may be single, grouped, raised, flat, or cauliflower-shaped. They usually do not hurt.
Warts may appear within weeks or months after sexual contact with an infected person.

Anal cancer:
Sometimes there are no signs or symptoms.
Anal bleeding, pain, itching, or discharge.
Swollen lymph nodes in the anal or groin area.
Changes in bowel habits or the shape of your stool.

Penile cancer:
First signs: changes in color, skin thickening, or a build-up of tissue on the penis.
Later signs: a growth or sore on the penis. It is usually painless, but in some cases, the sore may be painful and bleed.

Cancers of the oropharynx:
Sore throat or ear pain that doesn't go away
Constant coughing
Pain or trouble swallowing or breathing
Weight loss
Hoarseness or voice changes that last more than 2 weeks
Lump or mass in the neck

Currently, there is no HPV test recommended for men. The only approved HPV tests on the market are for screening women for cervical cancer. They are not useful for screening for HPV-related cancers or genital warts in men.There is no test for men to check one’s overall “HPV status.” But HPV usually goes away on its own, without causing health problems. So an HPV infection that is found today will most likely not be there a year or two from now. 

You can check for any abnormalities on your penis, scrotum, or around the anus. See your doctor if you find warts, blisters, sores, ulcers, white patches, or other abnormal areas on your penis—even if they do not hurt.

There is no treatment or cure for HPV. But there are ways to treat the health problems caused by HPV in men. So make sure to get yourself checked out and be safe!

Info from www.cdc.gov