Did you know that human papillomavirus (HPV) is often discussed as a women’s health issue? In most cases, this is largely because of its widely known link to cervical cancer, perpetuating a one-sided framing which has left most men unaware of their own risk, their role in transmission and the importance of prioritising prevention to ensure early care. Read on to learn more about how HPV also affects men, and why raising awareness among men is essential for better individual and public health outcomes.

What Is HPV and How Common is It?

HPV isn’t a single viral strain; it’s a group of more than 100 related viruses. Most of which are transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact. Some types often cause genital warts, while others are classified as more severe because they can lead to cancer over time.
It’s important to note that HPV is extremely common, mainly among sexually active people. It doesn’t matter the gender; there’s always an increased likelihood of contracting at least one type of HPV at some point in your life when you are sexually active. It’s common for the immune system to clear the virus naturally within a couple of years, without you even being aware of ever being infected.

Why HPV Often Goes Unnoticed in Men

Unlike women, men are not routinely screened for HPV in the same way, which contributes to low awareness. There is no standard HPV test for men in general clinical practice, and most HPV infections in men are mainly asymptomatic. This is why most high-risk HPV infections don’t cause visible signs, and the virus worsens without being detected.
However, when symptoms do occur, they may include:

• Genital warts.
• Changes to the skin around the genitals, anus or throat.
• Persistent sores or unusual growths.

HPV-Related Health Risks for Men

According to research, the rates of HPV-related throat cancers in men have increased globally over recent decades. While these cancers often develop slowly and may not cause early symptoms, prevention and awareness become especially important. Even though most HPV infections can resolve on their own, there are types which can lead to severe health complications in men if they go untreated.
Research suggests that HPV in men has been linked to:

• Penile cancer.
• Anal cancer.
• Oropharyngeal cancers affecting the throat, tonsils and base of the tongue.

The Role Men Play in HPV Transmission

It’s important to understand that HPV transmissions can happen outside of penetrative sex to help shift the narrative from stigma to awareness improving initiatives aimed at prevention. For instance, it can be spread through close skin contact, which means that while condoms can reduce the risk, they still do not eliminate it. Moreover, since HPV doesn’t often carry significant warning signs, most men unknowingly transmit the virus to their partners.

Why the HPV Vaccine Matters for Men

HPV vaccination is one of the most effective tools available for prevention. It protects against the most common high-risk HPV types linked to cancer, as well as types that cause genital warts. While vaccination is most effective when given before exposure to HPV, adults can still benefit from it, even though it won’t treat existing infections; it can still protect against HPV types that haven’t yet been encountered.
Men can benefit from vaccination by:

• Reducing their risk of HPV-related cancers.
• Preventing genital warts.
• Lowering the likelihood of transmitting HPV to partners.
• Supporting broader public health efforts.

Why HPV Awareness Should Start Earlier

HPV vaccination is often recommended during adolescence, before individuals become sexually active. However, awareness conversations often start too late, or not at all, particularly for boys. The purpose of early education is to normalise preventive healthcare through regular screening and vaccination, to help reduce stigma and encourage informed decision-making.
While the vaccination can play a significant role, HPV prevention works best when it’s proactive rather than reactive. Most importantly, it isn’t the only form of prevention to help minimise the risks. Other preventive steps you can consider include:

• Using barrier protection, such as condoms, consistently.
• Reducing the number of sexual partners.
• Seeking medical advice when symptoms appear.
• Maintaining regular health check-ups.
• Having open conversations about sexual health.

Why Men Often Delay Seeking Care

Men are statistically more likely to delay healthcare, particularly for issues related to sexual or reproductive health. In most cases, this delay is often driven by stigma, discomfort or the assumption that absence of pain means absence of severity. Yet, normalising preventive care has shown that it removes barriers and reduces the risk of:

• Missed early signs of HPV-related conditions.
• Later diagnosis of HPV-related cancers.
• Increased anxiety once symptoms do appear.

The Importance of Regular Health Check-Ups

Even without routine HPV screening, regular health check-ups allow healthcare providers to identify concerning changes early. Persistent sores, growths, pain or difficulty swallowing are some of the warning signs that should never be ignored. Even when you are feeling fine, you should go for a check-up because an early assessment often leads to:

• Earlier diagnosis.
• Simpler treatment options.
• Better long-term outcomes.

HPV in men is common, but it’s often ignored even though it can sometimes become very serious. However, ensuring awareness and prevention through regular screenings and vaccinations can help improve the stigma and make informed choices about sexual and reproductive health and early action. Affinity Health plans offers affordable access to essential private healthcare without compromising on quality.