Even though it is more common to hear of females getting the HPV vaccine, it does not mean that males are in the clear. There are more than 40 different types of HPV that can be passed through sexual contact. Several of these types can infect the genital areas and the mouths of men. Since HPV is passed through genital contact, it is just as easy for men to become infected with HPV as it is for women, Although the side effect of cervical cancer cannot be prevalent in men, HPV can cause genital warts or cancers of the penis, anus, or oropharynx.
Genital warts are one or more growths on the penis, testicles, groin, thighs, or anus. These growths may be flat or raised and can be single or grouped. These usually do not hurt, however, they may become painful.
Penile cancer can have beginning symptoms and some symptoms that are not present until later. The beginning symptoms can be a change in the color of the penis, skin thickening, or a notice of built-up tissue. The later signs can be a growth or sore on the penis. This growth is usually painless but in some cases it can be painful. Anal cancer sometimes has no signs or symptoms. Some of the symptoms that may be apparent are anal bleeding, pain, itching, or discharge from the anus. Oropharynx cancer can have many different symptoms. The most common are sore throat, constant coughing, trouble breathing, or lump in the neck.
Since there is no HPV test available, the only tests that are provided are screenings for genital warts or cancers. Always check with your healthcare provider if any of these symptoms are present. Be sure to check for abnormalities on your penis, scrotum, or around the anus regularly.
References:
http://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/hpvandmen-fact-sheet-february-2012.pdf
Genital warts are one or more growths on the penis, testicles, groin, thighs, or anus. These growths may be flat or raised and can be single or grouped. These usually do not hurt, however, they may become painful.
Penile cancer can have beginning symptoms and some symptoms that are not present until later. The beginning symptoms can be a change in the color of the penis, skin thickening, or a notice of built-up tissue. The later signs can be a growth or sore on the penis. This growth is usually painless but in some cases it can be painful. Anal cancer sometimes has no signs or symptoms. Some of the symptoms that may be apparent are anal bleeding, pain, itching, or discharge from the anus. Oropharynx cancer can have many different symptoms. The most common are sore throat, constant coughing, trouble breathing, or lump in the neck.
Since there is no HPV test available, the only tests that are provided are screenings for genital warts or cancers. Always check with your healthcare provider if any of these symptoms are present. Be sure to check for abnormalities on your penis, scrotum, or around the anus regularly.
References:
http://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/hpvandmen-fact-sheet-february-2012.pdf