Content

• Steps
• Advice

Genital Papillomavirus (HPV) infection is perhaps the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI), affecting most people who are sexually active at some point in their life. Fortunately, there are more than 40 strains of HPV, but only a few of them pose a serious health risk. The virus may go undetected in men who are asymptomatic and may sleep quietly for years before causing problems. Therefore, regular health check-ups are extremely important for people who have been sexually active. Most HPV infections go away on their own. However, you need to talk to your doctor about the symptoms to screen for cancer caused by HPV.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Recognize the signs and symptoms of HPV

1. 

   
   
   Understand how HPV is transmitted. HPV can be transmitted through genital skin-to-skin contact. This exposure can occur during vaginal, anal, hand-to-genital contact, genital contact without intrusion. , and (in rare cases) oral sex. HPV can stay in the body for years without causing these symptoms. This means that you can still carry the virus even if you haven't had sex recently or if you only have sex with one person.
   • The HPV virus is not spread by shaking hands or coming into contact with inanimate objects such as toilet seats (except for shared sex toys). Viruses are not transmitted through the air.
   • Condoms do not completely protect you from HPV, but they can help reduce your risk of infection.

2. 

   
   
   Distinguish genital warts. Some strains of HPV can cause genital warts: a lump or lump in the genitals or anus. These are considered to be low risk strains because they rarely lead to cancer. If you're not sure if you have genital warts, compare the symptoms you have with the following symptoms:
   • The most common location for genital warts in men is under the foreskin of the uncircumcised penis or on the axis of the circumcised penis. The warts can also appear on the testicles, groin, thighs, or around the anus.
   • In rare cases, the warts can appear in the anus or urethra, causing bleeding or discomfort when using the toilet. Anal warts also may not be caused by anal sex.
   • The warts can vary in number, shape (flat, raised or broccoli), color (skin color, red, pink, gray or white), firmness; and symptomatic (asymptomatic, itchy, or painful).

3. 

   
   
   Look for signs of anal cancer. HPV rarely causes cancer in men. Even when most sexually active people are exposed to HPV, the virus only causes cancer in about 1,600 men each year (US statistics). Anal cancer can start with no obvious symptoms or with one or more of the following symptoms:
   • Anal bleeding, pain, or itching.
   • Unusual discharge from the anus.
   • Swollen lymph nodes (lumps that can be felt) in the anus or groin area.
   • Abnormal bowel movements or changes in stool shape.

4. 

   Distinguish penile cancer. In the US, about 700 men are diagnosed with penile cancer each year due to HPV. Early signs of penile cancer can be:
   • Penile skin becomes thicker or changes color, usually on the top or the skin in front of the penis (if not circumcised)
   • Cyst on the penis, usually painless
   • Soft, red skin rash
   • Small, scaly tumor
   • The flesh growing on the skin is greenish brown, flat face
   • Smelly discharge under the skin in front of the penis
   • Swelling at the base of the penis

5. 

   Watch out for signs of throat cancer and oral cancer. HPV increases the risk of cancer of the throat or the back of the mouth (cancer of the mouth), even if it is not the direct cause. Signs of risk include:
   • Persistent sore throat or ear pain
   • Difficulty swallowing, difficulty opening a large mouth, or difficulty moving tongue
   • Weight loss has no cause
   • Nodules in the neck, mouth, or throat
   • Hoarseness or changes in voice lasting more than 2 weeks

6. 

   Be alert to the risk factors for HPV infection in men. Several features may put you at higher risk for HVP infection. Even if you do not have symptoms, you should be aware of available medical examination procedures and treatments if you fall into one of the following categories:
   • Men have sex with men, especially those who "receive" when having anal sex
   • Men with poor immune systems, for example people with HIV / AIDS, new organ transplant recipients, or taking immunosuppressant drugs
   • Men who have sex with many people (of any kind), especially if they are not using a condom
   • Tobacco addiction, alcoholism, drinking too much yerba mate tea or eating too much guise leaves can increase your risk of some HPV-related cancers (especially cancers of the mouth and throat).
   • Uncircumcised men are at higher risk, but these statistics are unclear.
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Part 2 of 2: Medical assessment and treatment as needed

1. 

   Consider getting vaccinated. A series of HPV vaccines can help protect you safely and long-term against many (but not all) cancer-causing strains of HPV. Vaccines are much more effective for young people, so the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends men from the following groups:
   • All men under 21 years old (ideally 11-12 years old before sexual intercourse)
   • All men who have sex with men age 26 or younger
   • All men with weakened immune systems aged 26 or younger (including HIV-positive men)
   • Inform your healthcare provider of any serious allergies before getting vaccinated, especially allergies to natural rubber or yeast.

2. 

   Treatment of genital warts. Genital warts may go away on their own after a few months and do not lead to cancer. The main reason for the treatment is to make you feel better. Treatments include using creams or ointments (such as Podofilox, Imiquimod, or Sinecatechins) applied at home, or visiting your doctor to get rid of the wart by freezing (freezing), using acids, or surgery. . Your doctor can also apply vinegar to lighten warts that are not yet prominent or visible.
   • You can pass on HPV even if you don't have symptoms, and your risk is higher if you have genital warts.So talk to your sexual partner about the risk and shield the wart with a condom or other barrier if possible.
   • Although the strain of HPV that causes genital warts does not cause cancer, you are still at risk of being exposed to more than one strain of the virus. Therefore, talk to your doctor if you notice any unexplained cancer signs or symptoms.

3. 

   Ask your doctor about cancer screening if you have sex with men. HPV-related anal cancer rates are much higher in men who have sex with men. If you are in this group, you should talk to your doctor about sexual orientation and ask for a smear test. Your doctor may recommend testing once every 3 years (and once a year if you're HIV positive) to screen for anal cancer.
   • Not all doctors think that regular screening is necessary or helpful. However, your doctor will still give you all the information about the test and let you choose. You can actively ask if your doctor has not mentioned screening.
   • In countries where homosexuality is illegal, you can get treatment and get health information from the LGBT or international HIV prevention organization.

4. 

   Test yourself regularly. Self-testing can help you detect signs of HPV infection early. If it is cancer, early detection will make it much easier to treat. If in doubt, you should see your doctor immediately if you see unexplained signs.
   • Regularly check the penis and genitals for signs of warts and / or abnormal looking areas on the penis.

5. 

   Discuss possible cancer symptoms with your doctor. Your doctor will examine you and ask you questions to diagnose the problem. If cancer is suspected to be caused by HPV, your doctor may perform a biopsy and tell you the results within a few days.
   • Your dentist can check for signs of oral cancer and throat cancer during regular oral health checkups.
   • If cancer is diagnosed, treatment will depend on the severity and whether the disease is diagnosed early. Early stage cancer can be treated with minor surgical procedures or local treatments such as laser removal or cryotherapy. If the cancer has spread, you will likely need radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
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Advice

• You or your sexual partner can carry the HPV virus for many years without showing any signs or symptoms. HPV should not be seen as a sign of unfaithfulness in a relationship. There is no way to determine who is responsible for spreading the virus. 1% of sexually active men can get genital warts at any given time.
• Note that anal cancer is not the same as colorectal (colon) cancer. Most colon cancer is not related to HPV, although there is evidence that it does in a few cases. Your doctor can run regular screening tests to detect colon cancer and tell you more about risk factors and symptoms.