HPV in Men, It Is Now Affecting More Men...

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most commonly contracted STD which usually results in genital and anal warts and we keep getting more reports of HPV in men. Some strains of the human papillomavirus may also lead to cancer, with cervical cancer being the most commonly observed type. Just recently, and especially after an article published in England's The Guardian, mouth and throat cancer caused by human papillomavirus has gotten into the spot light. According to a study published in The Lancet, single male smokers seem to be at greater risk of contracting the disease resulting in cancer.While infections with HPV in men usually clear up in 1 year, persistent infections are those that are worrisome and lead to cancer. Many "dangerous" HPV in men, particularly HPV-16 and HPV-18, seem to be more frequently the cause of cancer induced by persistent human papillomavirus infections. Another study conducted at the John Hopkins Oncology Center showed that HPV-16 was found in 90% of cell samples taken from head and neck cancers which were positive for human papillomavirus tissue.

How to Prevent HPV in Men?

Long lasting, monogamous relations with a steady partner with no known infection is still the most effective way to prevent HPV in men.

Gardasil Vaccines (Gardasil and Cervatrix) seem also be very effective in preventing HPV in men.Furthermore, non-smokers and non-drinkers seem to be at a lower risk of contracting human papillomavirus infections and cancer. According to a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, smoking increase the risk of human paillomavirus cancer up to three times, and alcohol consumption does up to 2.5 times.I see and treat many patients who are suffering from recurrent genital warts. With rising numbers of new cancer cases in the USA, I recommend my patients to monitor and treat human papillomavirus infections appropriately in order to prevent further HPV in men. If you or your partner are suffering from human papillomavirus infections, please feel free to come and see me for further evaluation and treatment.