Content
HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that in men can cause warts to appear on the penis, scrotum or anus.
However, the absence of warts does not mean that man does not have HPV, as these warts are often microscopic in size and cannot be seen with the naked eye. In addition, there are also several cases where HPV does not cause any symptoms, although it is present.
Since HPV is an infection that may not have any symptoms, but it is still contagious, it is recommended to use a condom in all relationships to prevent transmission of the virus to others.
Main symptoms of HPV in men
Most men with HPV do not have any symptoms, however, when it appears, the most common symptom is the appearance of warts on the genital region:
These warts are usually a sign of infection with the milder types of HPV.
However, there are more aggressive types of HPV that, although they do not lead to the appearance of warts, increase the risk of genital cancer. For this reason, even if there are no symptoms, it is important to have regular visits to the urologist to screen for any type of sexually transmitted infection, especially after having unprotected sex.
In addition to the genital region, warts can also appear on the mouth, throat and anywhere else on the body that has come into contact with the HPV virus.
What to do in case of suspicion
When HPV infection is suspected, it is important to consult a urologist to perform a peniscopy, which is a type of examination in which the doctor looks at the genital region with a kind of magnifying glass that allows you to observe microscopic lesions. Better understand what peniscopy is and what it is for.
In addition, it is very important to use a condom in any sexual relationship, to avoid transmission of HPV to your partner.
How to get HPV
The main way to get HPV is through unprotected sex with another infected person, even if that person does not have any type of wart or skin lesion. Thus, HPV can be transmitted through vaginal, anal or oral sex.
The best ways to prevent HPV infection are to use a condom at all times and have HPV vaccination, which can be done free of charge at SUS by all boys between 9 and 14 years old. Find out more about the HPV vaccine and when to take it.
How the treatment is done
There is no treatment capable of eliminating the HPV virus and, therefore, the cure of the infection only happens when the body itself is able to eliminate the virus naturally.
However, if the infection causes the appearance of warts, the doctor may recommend some treatments, such as the application of ointments or cryotherapy. Even so, these forms of treatments only improve the aesthetics of the place and do not guarantee a cure, which means that warts may reappear. Check out the treatment techniques for genital warts.
In addition to treatment, men who know they have an HPV infection should avoid having unprotected sex, so as not to transmit the virus to their partner.
Possible complications
Complications of HPV infection in men are very rare, however, if the infection happens one by one of the most aggressive types of the HPV virus, there is an increased risk of developing cancer in the genital region, especially in the anus.
The main complications caused by HPV seem to happen in women, namely cervical cancer. Therefore, it is very important to use condoms in all relationships, to avoid transmission to the partner.