When it comes to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), one of the most prevalent yet misunderstood is the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). While awareness about HPV in women has increased due to its connection to cervical cancer, the conversation around HPV symptoms in men remains largely under the radar. Many men are unaware they even have the virus, making it easy for the infection to spread unknowingly. In this blog, we’ll explore what HPV is, why HPV symptoms in men often go unnoticed, and why early awareness matters.
Understanding HPV in Men
HPV is a group of more than 100 related viruses, some of which are high-risk types known to cause cancer. HPV is incredibly common—most sexually active people will contract it at some point in their lives, often without even knowing it. In men, HPV can affect the skin around the penis, anus, throat, and mouth. However, HPV symptoms in men can be so subtle that they are frequently mistaken for something else or go completely unrecognised.
Common HPV Symptoms in Men
Unlike many infections that present clear signs, HPV symptoms in men can be elusive. The most noticeable symptom is the appearance of genital warts. These warts may appear as small growths or lumps on the penis, scrotum, groin, or around the anus. They can be flat or raised, single or clustered. Sometimes, they are so small that they go unnoticed.
Other possible HPV symptoms in men include:
- Warts in the throat or mouth (also known as oral HPV) may cause hoarseness, chronic sore throat, or difficulty swallowing.
- Anal warts, which may be visible around the anus or cause discomfort.
- Itching or irritation, although this is rare.
- In high-risk HPV cases, there may be no warts, but the virus can still be silently causing changes in the body’s cells that might later lead to cancer.
These subtle symptoms are why HPV symptoms often remain unnoticed in men.
Why Symptoms Often Go Unnoticed
Several reasons contribute to the silent nature of HPV symptoms in men:
1. Lack of Visible Signs
Most HPV infections are asymptomatic. Even if warts do appear, they can be so small or located in areas not easily visible, such as inside the anus or throat, that men never notice them.
2. Misidentification
When symptoms do arise, they are often mistaken for something else, such as skin tags, pimples, or ingrown hairs. This misidentification leads to delays in diagnosis and increases the likelihood of unknowingly transmitting the virus.
3. No Routine Screening
Unlike women, who are routinely screened for HPV-related changes through cervical smears, there is no standard screening procedure for men. As a result, HPV symptoms in men are rarely caught unless they lead to obvious complications or are discovered during examinations for other issues.
4. Stigma and Silence
The stigma around STIs often discourages men from seeking help. Many prefer not to discuss changes in their genital area or even consider the possibility that they may have an STI, further burying awareness of HPV symptoms.
Long-Term Health Risks for Men
The silent nature of HPV symptoms in men does not mean the virus is harmless. While many HPV infections clear up on their own, some can lead to serious complications. These include:
- Penile cancer
- Anal cancer
- Oropharyngeal cancer (cancer of the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils)
Men who have sex with men (MSM) and men with compromised immune systems, including those living with HIV, are at higher risk of developing HPV-related cancers. This makes it all the more important to recognise and understand HPV symptoms early on.
The Importance of Awareness
Awareness is the first step towards prevention and control. While HPV symptoms in men may be subtle or even invisible, understanding the risks and being proactive about one’s health can help reduce transmission and complications.
- Self-examination: Men should regularly check for unusual lumps, warts, or changes in their genital, anal, or oral areas.
- Routine check-ups: Regular health check-ups, especially for sexually active men, can help identify concerns early.
- Open communication: Discussing sexual health with partners and healthcare professionals breaks the stigma and encourages early action.
Even if a man has no noticeable HPV symptoms, he can still carry and transmit the virus. Practising safe sex and maintaining good hygiene are essential steps in preventing HPV transmission.
HPV and Relationships
Another challenge with HPV symptoms in men being unnoticeable is how it impacts relationships. Partners might feel betrayed or confused if one person is diagnosed with HPV, not realising it could have been dormant for years. This is why understanding that HPV symptoms can take time to show—or may never appear—is essential in fostering trust and clear communication in relationships.
Prevention: Better Than Cure
While there is no cure for the virus itself, most HPV infections clear naturally within two years. Still, preventing infection in the first place is the most effective way to deal with it. While this blog doesn’t mention specific immunisation options, men should consult with healthcare professionals to understand what preventive measures are available.
Along with personal responsibility, public education plays a key role in reducing the spread of HPV. More conversations around HPV symptoms, particularly among men, will help normalise sexual health discussions and reduce stigma.
Conclusion
HPV is far more common than most people realise, and men are just as susceptible to it as women. Unfortunately, HPV symptoms in men often go unnoticed because they are either too subtle or completely absent. This lack of visibility can lead to delays in treatment, unintentional transmission, and serious long-term health consequences.
By increasing awareness, encouraging open conversations, and focusing on prevention, we can address the hidden impact of HPV on men’s health. Recognising and understanding HPV symptoms is crucial not just for individual well-being but also for public health.
If you’re unsure about any changes in your body or want to take a proactive approach to your health, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional. Silence and uncertainty should never stand in the way of your well-being.