HPV Toolkit: For the Guys
HPV Fact Zone
If you have arrived at this site and you are a guy, you may be wondering what this all has to do with you ...
Women have been the focal point of measures to reduce HPV infection because they run the risk of cervical cancer. However, there are several negative side effects of HPV infection in men, such as: genital warts, anal cancer, penile cancer, head and neck cancer, and the most recent discovery - lung cancer. As more research is done to understand the link between HPV and secondary diseases, it is likely that efforts to decrease HPV infection in men will be more common. Men should always be aware that just because they don't have any noticeable symptoms, does not insure that HPV is not present. HPV infection usually occurs without symptoms, especially in men. This means that you may be actively spreading HPV to your partners even when you don't think you are infected. You can cut down this risk by using condoms; however, abstinence is the only sure way to prevent the spread of HPV.
I have genital warts, what should I do?
See your doctor as soon as possible. Be aware that HPV is thought to be more contagious when these warts are present. Ask your health care provider for treatment options (some are done in your doctor's office and others you can administer at home). You can reduce the likelihood of transmission to your partner by using a condom.
My partner has HPV, does that mean I have it too?
It is likely that you have HPV. Keep in mind, however, that this does not mean that your partner was unfaithful. HPV can be latent for a long time and then symptoms can show up suddenly.
I keep hearing about an HPV vaccine, can men get this?
Research is currently underway to try to validate the extension of the HPV vaccine to men; however, currently the vaccine (Gardasil) has only been approved for girls ages 9-26.