Signs and symptoms of HPV in males

HPV is a common viral infection that affects both males and females. While HPV does not always cause noticeable symptoms, it may manifest with oral and genital warts. Sometimes, it can lead to certain types of cancers. 

HPV is highly transmissible and may spread from person to person through direct skin-to-skin contact and sexual activity when not using condoms or other barrier contraception.

When someone receives a gynecological exam result indicating they have HPV, it is essential to inform any sexual partners about the diagnosis, as they may already have the virus or be at a greater risk of contracting it.

There is no cure for HPV, but treatment for the virus and genital warts is available. HPV is the most common cause of cancer in the penis in males and the cervix in females.

HPV vaccines, like Gardasil, are suitable for individuals ages 9 to 45 years and may decrease the risk of HPV-related cancers in males and females.

Symptoms of HPV in males

The most common symptom of HPV in males is the development of genital warts. Some people may also develop oral warts. However, most males with HPV do not experience any symptoms.

Because visible symptoms are typically rare, many males often remain unaware of their HPV status unless they undergo specific medical examinations or experience complications related to the infection.

This is similar in females, who may be unaware that they have genital warts in their vagina or cervix.

Typically, HPV genital warts in males have the following characteristics:

• Appearance: Genital warts often resemble small, flesh-colored, grayish growths or lumps. They may be flat or raised and have a cauliflower-like or smooth surface. They do not contain fluid.
• Size: Genital warts may vary in size, ranging from small, barely visible bumps to larger clusters resembling cauliflower. 
• Location: The most common sites for genital warts in males include the penis, scrotum, and groin area. These warts can occur individually or in clusters.

Are warts always a symptom of HPV in males?

No, warts are not always a symptom of HPV in males.

HPV infections can be asymptomatic, meaning a person has no visible warts or other signs of HPV.

Other conditions may also cause wart-like lesions.

Only a healthcare professional can provide an accurate diagnosis.

Can you have HPV and no genital warts?

Yes, it’s possible to have HPV and no genital warts. Many HPV infections, especially those caused by high risk strains, remain asymptomatic and do not lead to visible warts.

How long do symptoms of HPV last in males?

The duration of HPV symptoms in males may vary depending on various factors, including the specific HPV strain, your immune system, and whether you sought treatment.

• Treated HPV symptoms: With appropriate treatment, genital warts due to HPV may resolve within weeks to months. However, the virus persists in the body even after visible warts disappear.
• Untreated HPV symptoms: Without treatment, genital warts may resolve on their own or persist for extended periods, potentially months or even years. In some cases, the warts may grow in size and number.

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HPV diagnosis in males

Your doctor or a urologist can perform a comprehensive examination to determine if you have signs of HPV or may be at risk of getting it.

HPV diagnosis in males typically includes:

• Physical examination: A healthcare professional may visually inspect your genital, anal, or oral areas for the presence of warts or other symptoms.
• HPV DNA test: If a healthcare professional believes you have had exposure to HPV, they may collect a sample of cells from your penis, anus, or throat to test for HPV. Doctors often recommend this procedure for people with high risk HPV strains. A healthcare professional may carry out this procedure alongside a Pap smear when screening for cervical cancer in females.
• Biopsy: A doctor may perform a biopsy to examine the tissue of abnormal growths or suspicious lesions in your genital area. 
• Oral rinse or swab: For oral HPV, a doctor may use a rinse or swab to collect cells from your mouth and throat to explore possible causes.
• Anoscopy: If a doctor suspects you have HPV, they may conduct an anoscopy. This involves using a medical instrument to visualize and collect samples from your anal canal.

The specific diagnostic approach may vary depending on your gender, symptoms, and medical history. A healthcare professional may recommend your sexual partners undergo HPV testing as well.

If you suspect you might have HPV, consider talking with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis. 

Treatment for HPV in males

There is no cure for HPV, so treatment focuses on managing symptoms and complications

Common treatments for HPV warts may include:

Topical treatments

• Imiquimod (Aldara): This prescription cream stimulates your immune system to help the body fight the virus. You apply it directly to genital warts.
• Podofilox (Condylox): You can apply this solution or gel treatment to the lesion to dry genital warts.
• Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) or bichloroacetic acid (BCA): A healthcare professional will apply these acids to the warts to burn them off.

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Surgical procedures

• Cryotherapy: Liquid nitrogen freezes and removes genital warts.
• Electrocautery: An electrical current burns off warts.
• Surgical excision: A healthcare professional cuts out genital warts, particularly if you have multiple or large warts in your genital area.

Summary

While HPV does not always cause visible symptoms, genital warts often signify HPV in males. These warts appear as raised growths on or around the genitals or anus. They vary in size and may resemble cauliflower-like clusters. 

Even if you have no visible signs of infection, you can still have HPV, which is transmissible to others by direct skin-to-skin and sexual contact.