Disclaimer: This is general health information only and is not a substitute for advice from your GP or healthcare professional.
1. What is HPV in men?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common viral infection that can affect men as well as women. Most HPV infections in men cause no symptoms and clear on their own, but some high-risk types can cause penile, anal, or throat cancers, while low-risk types can cause genital warts.
2. How is HPV transmitted in men?
HPV is mainly spread through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Condoms reduce but do not completely eliminate the risk of transmission.
3. Can men get HPV vaccination?
Yes. The Gardasil 9 vaccine is recommended for boys and men, ideally before sexual activity, to protect against HPV types that cause cancer and genital warts. In Australia, the NIP provides free vaccination for boys aged 9–14, and adults up to 45 can receive it privately.
4. How effective is the HPV vaccine for men?
The vaccine is highly effective at preventing infection with covered HPV types. It helps reduce the risk of genital warts and certain cancers, even if exposure has already occurred to some HPV types.
5. Can HPV cause cancer in men?
Yes. High-risk HPV types, particularly 16 and 18, can cause penile cancer, anal cancer, and oropharyngeal (throat) cancer in men. Regular health checks and vaccination reduce these risks.
6. What are the symptoms of HPV in men?
Most men do not have symptoms. Visible symptoms may include genital warts, small growths or lumps on the penis, scrotum, or anus. Rarely, persistent high-risk HPV may lead to precancerous changes in affected tissues.
7. Is there a test for HPV in men?
There is no routine HPV screening test for men. Testing is usually done if there are visible warts or suspected cancerous changes.
8. Can men spread HPV?
Yes. Men can spread HPV to sexual partners even if they have no symptoms. Vaccination and safe sexual practices reduce the risk.
9. How can men prevent HPV infection?
Men can reduce risk by getting vaccinated, using condoms, limiting the number of sexual partners, and engaging in regular health check-ups.
10. Does HPV go away on its own in men?
Yes. Most HPV infections in men clear naturally within 1–2 years without causing any health problems. Persistent infections with high-risk types require medical monitoring.
