The Human Papilloma Virus in Men: Introduction
The human papilloma virus (also known as HPV) consists of over 100 strains. Of those 100 strains at least 30 of the human papilloma virus in men and women are spread sexually. A sexually spread human papilloma virus infection in men, depending on what strain can cause genital warts and warts around the anus. According to Brown University, “In the US, a human papilloma virus infection is considered to be the most common STI. Approximately 5.5 million people are newly infected with a genital human papilloma infection each year and about 20 million people are currently infected. Some studies estimate that 50% to 75% of the sexually active population is exposed to at least 1 strain of HPV, although most people don’t develop symptoms. Because a human papilloma virus infection is so common, a person can have very few sexual partners and still come into contact with this virus.”
The human papilloma virus in men can be transmitted by direct skin to skin contact as well as intercourse with a female or male that is carrying the HPV infection. An HPV infection is very contagious and even with the proper use of condoms a person can become infected. The good news is that researchers believe that after time, a person’s body builds up antibodies against an HPV infection and it some how disappears. However, there is currently no strong evidence of this.
The Human Papilloma Virus in Men: Infection Symptoms
The human papilloma virus in men is usually determined by symptoms of genital warts that are diagnosed by a doctor. Symptoms appear as small clusters of bumps and may grow to have a cauliflower appearance. These symptoms of genital warts are usually white, pink, or flesh color. Anywhere where mucus membranes are present may be a favorable home for an HPV infection such as the anus, penis, mouth, and vagina. A human papilloma virus in men generally does not exhibit any symptoms.
The Human Papilloma Virus in Men: Infection Testing Options
Sadly, testing for strands of human papilloma virus in men is not available at this time. A doctor usually makes a HPV infection determination by visual inspection and by using a solution to test if the bumps turn white. A doctor may even take a biopsy of a bump and send it for testing to rule out an HPV infection. Women testing is much easier due to scrapping of mucous vaginal cells that can checked.
The Human Papilloma Virus in Men: Infection Treatment
If the human papilloma virus in men shows symptoms of genital or anal warts then doctors can prescribe certain medications to make the warts disappear. Doctors may even use cryotherapy (freezing) or laser surgery to remove an HPV infection showing symptoms. There are currently several infection treatment options available for men that are showing symptoms HPV.
The Human Papilloma Virus in Men: Conclusion
Even after treatment and symptoms have resided with the human papilloma virus in men, they still can be carriers of it. Remember, there is no testing option currently available to determine a human papilloma virus infection so proper safe sex practices and selective partner activity lowers the risk of contacting a strain of the human papilloma virus in men.
