Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most widespread sexually transmitted infection. Much of the information about HPV focuses on women, as having the virus increases the risk of cervical cancer, but HPV in men can also cause health problems.
More than half of sexually active men have HPV. Men often clear the virus on their own without health problems, but some types of HPV are associated with genital cancers and can cause anal or penile cancer, although these are rare, especially in men with a healthy immune system.
Low-risk HPV can cause warts. They usually cause few or no other symptoms and usually resolve on their own without any long-term effects, but various treatments can be used. The patient can apply prescription creams at home or the doctor can surgically remove or freeze the warts.
Do you want to know more about HPV in men? Don’t miss this Urology Cheat Sheet!!
