Human papilloma virus (HPV) genital infection is perhaps the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD) and affects almost all sexually active people sooner or later in life. Fortunately, of the more than 40 existing strains of the virus, only a few carry serious health risks. The virus is not recognizable in men who have no symptoms and can lie dormant for years before causing any signs of disease. For this reason, it is important to have regular self-exams if you have been sexually active. Most infections heal on their own, but still tell your doctor about your symptoms, to rule out the risk of cancer that can result from HPV.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of HPV
Step 1. Know how the infection is transmitted
The virus spreads through direct skin contact in the genital area; this can occur during vaginal, anal intercourse, by hands-genital contact even without penetration and (albeit rarely) also during oral intercourse. The virus can remain in the body for years without causing any symptoms; this means that you may be infected, even if you have not recently had sex or if you have had sex with only one partner.
- You cannot get sick with a handshake or by touching inanimate objects such as the toilet seat (there may be some degree of risk by sharing sex toys instead); however, be aware that the virus is not transmitted through the air.
- Condoms do not fully protect against HPV, but they reduce the risk of contagion.
Step 2. Recognize genital warts
Some strains of the virus can cause warts - bumps or growths that develop in the anal or genital region. These are considered low-risk strains of the virus, as they rarely lead to cancer. If you are concerned about having genital warts, compare your symptoms with those described below:
- The area where they most often develop in men is under the foreskin or on the shaft of the circumcised penis; however, they can also form on the testicles, groin, thighs or around the anus.
- Although less frequently, they can also grow inside the anus and urethra, causing bleeding and discomfort when you go to the bathroom. they can also form even if you have not had anal intercourse.
- Warts can vary in number, shape (flat, raised, or cluster-like like cauliflower), color (flesh-colored, red, pink, gray, or white), consistency, and cause different symptoms (none, itchy or painful).
Step 3. Look for signs of anal cancer
HPV rarely causes this cancer in men. Although nearly every sexually active person has been exposed to the virus at least once, in the United States, for example, only 1,600 cases of anal cancer occur annually in the male population. This type of cancer may initially develop without any obvious symptoms or with one or more of the following disorders:
- Bleeding, pain, or itching in the anus
- Abnormal secretions from the anus
- Swollen lymph nodes (masses you can feel) in the anal or groin area
- Unusual production of stools or changes in the shape of the stools.
Step 4. Recognize Penile Cancer
Also in the United States, penile cancer caused by human papilloma virus is diagnosed in about 700 men each year. Among the possible symptoms in the early stage are:
- An area of the penis skin begins to thicken or change color, usually on the tip or foreskin (if the man is circumcised)
- A lump or sore, usually not painful
- A soft, reddish skin rash
- Small bumps that form a crust;
- Flat, bluish-brown growths;
- Foul-smelling discharge from under the foreskin;
- Swelling in the tip of the penis.
Step 5. Check for signs of throat or mouth cancer
HPV infection can increase the risk of developing this type of cancer (cancer of the oropharynx), even if it is not the direct cause. Among the possible signs you can note:
- A persistent sore throat or ear
- Difficulty swallowing, opening the mouth fully or moving the tongue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Lumps in the neck, mouth or throat
- Hoarseness or voice changes lasting more than two weeks.
Step 6. Know the risk factors for this infection in men
There are some characteristics that make contagion more likely. Even if you have no visible symptoms, it is a good idea to have regular medical check-ups and any treatment if you fall into one of the categories described below:
- You have sex with other men, especially if you are receiving anal sex;
- You have a compromised immune system, for example you have HIV / AIDS, have recently undergone an organ transplant or are taking immunosuppressive drugs;
- You have many sexual partners (of both sexes), especially if you don't use a condom;
- Consuming plenty of tobacco or alcohol, drinking lots of yerba mate, or chewing betel increases the risk of developing HPV-associated cancers (especially in the mouth and throat);
- Men who are not circumcised are more likely to get sick, but the data regarding this correlation are still unclear.
Part 2 of 2: Have a Checkup and Medical Treatment when Necessary
Step 1. Consider getting vaccinated
A range of HPV vaccines provide safe and long-lasting protection from many (but not all) cancer-causing strains of the virus. Since this solution is much more effective on young people, experts recommend it to men who belong to the following categories:
- All individuals under the age of 21 (in theory, it is good to receive vaccines around 11 or 12 years of age, before being sexually active);
- All men up to 26 who have intercourse with other men;
- All men up to the age of 26 who have a compromised immune system (including HIV-positive ones);
- Before getting the vaccine, tell your doctor if you have severe allergies, especially to latex or yeast.
Step 2. Treat genital warts
They can disappear on their own after a few months and never cause cancer. The main reason why you need to take care of them is personal comfort. Possible treatments are creams or ointments (such as Aldara or Veregen) to be applied at home or removal performed by the doctor through cryotherapy (freezing), acid or surgical procedure. The doctor may also apply vinegar to make warts that have not yet arisen and cannot be seen with the naked eye more visible.
- Remember that you can pass on the infection even if you have no symptoms, but the chances are greater when you have genital warts. Discuss the risk of infection with your partner and cover the warts with condoms or other barriers if possible.
- Although the HPV strains that cause warts do not cause cancer, you may still have exposed yourself to more than one variety. You should always see your doctor if you notice any possible signs of cancer or if you have any unexplained symptoms.
Step 3. Ask for an anal cancer screening exam if you have sex with other men
The chances of getting this type of infection-associated carcinoma are much higher among men who have homosexual intercourse; if you fall into this category, tell your doctor about your sexual orientation and ask him to have an anal Pap smear. Your doctor may recommend this test every three years (or annually if you are HIV positive).
- Not all doctors agree that it is necessary or useful to perform the screening exam regularly, but they should still inform you of this possibility and allow you to make a decision about it. If your doctor does not offer you the test or does not tell you about it, ask a second doctor for another opinion.
- If you live in a country where homosexuality is illegal, you can get treatment and health information by contacting international LGBT or HIV prevention organizations.
Step 4. Run a self-exam
This way, you can spot signs of infection as soon as possible; if the abnormality turns out to be cancer, it is much easier to remove the growth if it has been diagnosed early. If in doubt, see your doctor promptly when you notice any unexplained symptoms.
Regularly examine the penis and genital area for warts and / or abnormalities
Step 5. Discuss possible cancer symptoms with your doctor
The person should examine the area and ask questions to make the diagnosis. If he thinks there is a possibility of cancer associated with the infection, he can perform a biopsy and inform you of the result within a few days.
- Your dentist can check for signs of mouth or throat cancer during your regular follow-up visit.
- If you have been diagnosed with cancer, treatments depend on the severity of the situation and the timeliness of the diagnosis; it may be possible to remove an early stage carcinoma with a minor surgical procedure or with localized treatments, such as laser excision or cryotherapy. If the cancer has already spread, radiation and chemotherapy will be needed.
Advice
- You or your partner may have contracted the human papilloma virus for many years and have no signs or symptoms. Illness must never be considered synonymous with infidelity in a couple relationship; there are no ways to determine who is or who was responsible for the transmission of the infection. 1% of sexually active men can get genital warts at any time.
- Keep in mind that anal cancer is not the same as colon (colorectal) cancer. Most cases of colon cancer are not linked to HPV infection, although in some circumstances there have been correlations. Your doctor can perform routine colon cancer screening tests and provide you with more information about risk factors and symptoms.
