HPV and Men
Men are at risk for certain HPV-related cancers and diseases.1,2
It’s called human papillomavirus. Anyone who is sexually active can be infected with HPV—and that includes men. HPV, or human papillomavirus, is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the world, but there are ways you can help protect yourself from certain HPV-related cancers and diseases.1,2
For most people, HPV clears on its own. But for those who don’t clear the virus, it can cause certain HPV-related cancers and diseases, including anal cancer and genital warts in men.3-5
In the Philippines, about 113 men are diagnosed with anal cancer every year.6,a
And about 91% of anal cancers are caused by HPV.7
a. Data as of 2020
In a steady relationship?
There may still be a risk.
Even if you only have one sexual partner, you can still be at risk for certain HPV-related cancers.1,2 HPV usually has no signs or symptoms, so a person can have the virus and infect others without knowing it. Talk to your health care provider about what you can do to help protect yourself.2
HPV and related cancers can remain undetected in men.2,8
With no routine screening tests to detect HPV in men,8 and usually no symptoms of the virus, HPV can infect men.2
For most people, HPV clears on its own. But for those who don’t clear the virus, it can cause certain HPV-related cancers and diseases.3-5
Don’t put off the chance to help protect yourself.1,2
There may be more that you can do to help protect yourself from certain HPV-related cancers and diseases.1,2
Talk to a health care provider about ways to help protect yourself from certain HPV-related cancers.1,2
Every year, about 1700 Filipino men die of HPV-related cancers.6,a
Don’t let that be your story. Take action to help protect yourself against HPV-related cancers today.1,2
a. Data as of 2020
Make the most of your conversation with your health care provider.
For most people, HPV clears on its own. But for those who don’t clear the virus, it can lead to certain HPV-related cancers and diseases. That includes men, too.3-5 So you owe it to yourself to learn more about HPV vaccination.2 Your health care provider has likely heard it all before, so don’t hesitate to ask any and all questions that you may have.
Here are some tips to help you make the most of your visit:
- Learn the basics
Learn the basics about about HPV and certain HPV-related cancers and diseases1 from this website, and other reliable sources like your doctor. - Ask about HPV vaccination
Ask your health care provider if HPV vaccination may be right for you, and what to expect.2 - Discuss screening options
Ask your health care provider about what options are available. Some clinics may offer anal screening to men at higher risk of developing anal cancer,9 which can be caused by HPV.10 - Be your own health advocate
Even if your health care provider doesn’t bring up the topic of HPV vaccination,2 you can. There’s a lot to know about your health, so if you have any questions or concerns, be sure to ask.11
The opportunity to help protect yourself may be closer than you think.
Certain HPV-related cancers could affect you.1 Find the confidence to speak up and ask how you can help protect yourself from certain HPV-related cancers and diseases.1,2 Find a health care provider near you and ask about HPV.
For most people, HPV clears on its own. But for those who don’t clear the virus, it can cause certain HPV-related cancers and diseases.3-5
Frequently asked questions for men
Yes. Men who are sexually active are at risk for HPV-related cancers.1,2 For most people, HPV clears on its own. But for those who don’t clear the virus, it can cause certain HPV-related cancers and diseases in men.3-5 And, since HPV usually has no symptoms, men and women who have HPV can unknowingly spread the virus to their partners.2
HPV can be spread through any direct skin-to-skin contact—usually through sexual activity.2 For most people, HPV clears on its own. But for those who don’t clear the virus, it can cause certain HPV-related cancers and diseases.3-5
HPV can infect areas that are not covered by a condom, so while condoms do offer some protection against HPV, they may not fully protect you against the virus.2
HPV usually has no symptoms, and there is no routine screening done in men at this time.2 For most people, HPV clears on its own. But for those who don’t clear the virus, it can cause certain HPV-related cancers and diseases.3-5
There is no treatment for HPV infection, although there are ways to treat genital warts and certain cancers caused by HPV.1,10
For most people, HPV clears on its own. But for those who don’t clear the virus, it can cause certain HPV-related HPV-related cancers and diseases.3-5
There are ways to help reduce the risk for certain HPV-related cancers.1 These include2:
- Ask your doctor about HPV vaccination
- Practice safe sex such as using a condom
- Abstain from sex or limit the number of sexual partners
For most people, HPV clears on its own. But for those who don’t clear the virus, it can cause certain HPV-related cancers and diseases.3-5
Talk to a health care provider today, and ask about HPV vaccination.2