Although much is written about HPV, the human papillomavirus virus’ impact on women’s health not much focus has been given to HPV in men. This is in part due to the fact that there have not been many studies conducted on men with the disease. HPV is contracted through skin to skin contact. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), there are over 100 types of HPV and 40 strands are contracted through sexual contact. Many men are infected but show no outward signs of the infection and many have no lasting effects of the disease, in fact it can clear up on its own. However, when a man is infected with HPV even if he shows no sign of the disease he can pass it along to his partner through sexual contact. This is particularly dangerous because in women, HPV is a known cause of cervical cancer.
HPV and Genital Warts
Men with HPV may develop genital warts Genital warts are mildly painful or itchy clusters of tiny warts. They resemble the head of cauliflower. Genital warts appear on the genitalia, sometimes on the shaft, scrotum or the tip of the penis. They are either white or flesh-colored in appearance and can take weeks or even months to appear after being infected. Many men do not get treated for the genital warts and the condition clears up over time. However there are over the counter topical treatments to help speed up the process.
Preventing the Spread
When you are infected it is imperative to abstain from any sexual contact in order to prevent the spread of the disease. This is because for women HPV can be cancer causing. Removing the warts does not cure the infection so they may come back again. It is important to consult a physician to make sure you are free and clear of the disease before resuming sexual activities. In addition, condoms can be effective in hindering the spread of the disease although since HPV is contracted by skin to skin contact, any area that comes in contact with the infection can become infected. So since a condom only covers the penis, other surrounding areas are still susceptible to contracting the disease and capable of spreading it.
