What Is HPV?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of more than 200 related viruses, with over **40 types capable of infecting the genital tract, anus, mouth, and throat.**²

HPV spreads through intimate skin-to-skin contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Unlike infections that spread through bodily fluids, HPV is transmitted through direct contact with infected skin or mucous membranes, meaning transmission can occur even when no symptoms are present.²

HPV types are generally divided into two categories:

Low-risk HPV

Low-risk HPV types, particularly HPV 6 and HPV 11, are responsible for approximately 90% of genital warts. Although these strains are not associated with cancer, genital warts can affect quality of life and often require medical treatment.⁴

High-risk HPV

High-risk HPV types, including HPV 16 and HPV 18, have the potential to cause persistent infections that may lead to cellular changes over time. Persistent infection with these strains is associated with cancers of the cervix, anus, penis, vulva, vagina, and oropharynx (the back of the throat, including the tonsils and base of the tongue).²

Importantly, most HPV infections never progress to cancer. In healthy individuals, the immune system clears approximately **90% of HPV infections within one to two years.**²

Can Men Get HPV?

Yes.

HPV affects men just as commonly as women. Current research suggests that most sexually active men will acquire at least one genital HPV infection during their lifetime, often shortly after becoming sexually active.⁵

A large international systematic review found that the prevalence of genital HPV infection among men over the age of 15 is approximately 31% at any given time, with about **21% carrying a high-risk HPV type.**⁵

Unlike cervical cancer screening programs that help identify HPV infections in women, there is **no routine HPV screening test recommended for most men.**⁶ As a result, many men never know they have the virus and may unknowingly transmit it to sexual partners.

Because HPV infections are frequently asymptomatic, prevalence is likely underestimated.

How Do Men Get HPV?

HPV is transmitted primarily through intimate skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity.

Transmission can occur through:

• Vaginal sex²
• Anal sex²
• Oral sex²
• Genital-to-genital contact without penetration²
• Skin-to-skin contact involving infected genital areas²

Unlike some sexually transmitted infections, ejaculation is not required for HPV transmission because the virus lives within the surface layers of the skin and mucous membranes.²

HPV can also be transmitted by someone who has no visible signs or symptoms, making it difficult to know when exposure has occurred.²

Although condoms and dental dams significantly reduce the risk of HPV transmission, they do not completely eliminate it because uncovered areas of skin can still carry the virus.⁷

Who Is Most at Risk?

Anyone who is sexually active can acquire HPV. However, several factors increase the likelihood of infection or persistent disease.

These include:

• Having multiple sexual partners⁵
• Having a partner with multiple previous partners⁵
• Beginning sexual activity at a younger age⁵
• Smoking, which impairs immune function⁸
• Living with HIV or another condition that weakens the immune system²
• Men who have sex with men (MSM), particularly for anal HPV infection and anal cancer²

Persistent HPV infection is generally more likely when the immune system cannot effectively clear the virus.²

What Are the Symptoms of HPV in Men?

One of the reasons HPV spreads so easily is that **Most men experience no symptoms at all.**²

For many people, the infection clears naturally without ever causing noticeable health problems. However, when symptoms do develop, they usually fall into one of two categories: genital warts or HPV-related precancerous and cancerous changes.

Genital Warts

Genital warts are the most common visible sign of HPV infection in men.

They may appear:

• On the penis
• On the scrotum
• Around the anus
• In the groin
• On the inner thighs

They may be:

• Flat or raised
• Small or clustered
• Flesh-coloured, pink, or grey
• Soft to the touch

Although genital warts are usually painless, they may itch, bleed, or become irritated depending on their location.⁴

They are almost always caused by HPV types 6 and 11, which are considered low-risk because they are not associated with cancer.⁴

Can HPV Cause Cancer in Men?

Yes, but it’s important to put the risk into perspective.

While most HPV infections resolve naturally, persistent infection with high-risk HPV types can lead to precancerous cellular changes that may eventually progress to cancer if left untreated.²

In men, HPV has been linked to several cancers, including:

• Penile cancer²
• Anal cancer²
• Oropharyngeal cancer (back of the throat, tonsils, and base of the tongue)²

Today, HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer is the most common HPV-related cancer among men in many high-income countries, with HPV16 responsible for the vast majority of cases.⁹

The risk remains relatively low for the average healthy individual. However, the likelihood increases among people with persistent HPV infection, weakened immune function, tobacco use, and certain sexual risk factors.²

Most importantly, persistent infection—not initial infection—is what increases cancer risk. This is why prevention through vaccination and safer sexual practices remains so important.

Can Men Be Tested for HPV?

One of the most common questions men ask is, “How do I know if I have HPV?”

The answer is surprisingly complicated.

Unlike cervical cancer screening in women, there is **currently no FDA- or Health Canada-approved routine HPV screening test for cisgender men.**¹⁰ This means most HPV infections in men are diagnosed only after symptoms develop, such as genital warts or abnormal tissue changes.

For this reason, HPV often goes undetected and is unknowingly transmitted to sexual partners.

Why Isn’t There a Routine HPV Test for Men?

HPV behaves differently in men than it does in women.

Persistent HPV infection can cause precancerous changes to the cervix, making cervical HPV testing and Pap screening highly effective tools for preventing cervical cancer.¹¹

In men, however, HPV infections can occur on multiple areas of the body—including the penis, anus, and throat—and there is currently no single screening test that has been shown to effectively detect infection or reduce cancer risk in the general male population.¹⁰

Most HPV infections in healthy men are also transient, meaning the immune system clears the virus naturally before it causes disease.²

Because of these factors, routine HPV testing for asymptomatic men is not recommended by major medical organizations.¹⁰

How Is HPV Diagnosed in Men?

When symptoms are present, diagnosis is usually straightforward.

Genital Warts

Most genital warts are diagnosed through a physical examination by a healthcare provider.²

In many cases, no additional testing is required because genital warts have a characteristic appearance.

Occasionally, a biopsy may be recommended if:

• the diagnosis is uncertain
• lesions are unusually large
• they fail to respond to treatment
• cancer is suspected²

Anal Precancer and Anal Cancer

Certain individuals have a much higher risk of anal HPV disease, particularly:

• men who have sex with men (MSM)
• people living with HIV
• individuals with weakened immune systems
• people with a history of anal HPV disease¹²

For these higher-risk groups, some specialists may recommend:

• Anal cytology (“anal Pap test”)
• High-resolution anoscopy
• Biopsy of abnormal lesions¹²

These screening strategies are not recommended for the general population, but they may be appropriate for select high-risk individuals.

Oropharyngeal (Throat) HPV

There is currently no routine screening test for HPV-related throat cancers.¹³

Instead, diagnosis usually occurs after symptoms develop, such as:

• persistent sore throat
• difficulty swallowing
• a lump in the neck
• persistent hoarseness
• ear pain on one side
• unexplained mouth or throat lesions¹³

Fortunately, HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers often respond well to treatment when detected early.¹³

Can HPV Go Away on Its Own?

Yes.

One of the most reassuring facts about HPV is that most infections are temporary.

In healthy individuals, approximately 90% of HPV infections are cleared by the immune system within one to two years without causing any long-term health problems.²

This process is known as immune clearance.

During this time, the body’s immune system recognizes infected cells and gradually eliminates the virus. Many people never realize they were infected because they never develop symptoms.

However, some infections become persistent, meaning the virus remains in the body for several years.

Persistent infection with high-risk HPV types, particularly HPV16, is the strongest risk factor for developing HPV-related cancers.¹⁴

Fortunately, persistence is much less common than spontaneous clearance.

What Makes HPV More Likely to Persist?

Researchers have identified several factors that increase the likelihood that HPV will remain in the body rather than clear naturally.

These include:

• smoking²
• older age¹⁴
• HIV infection²
• immunosuppressive medications²
• chronic immune suppression²
• persistent infection with high-risk HPV types¹⁴

Smoking appears to impair the immune response against HPV, making viral clearance less likely and increasing the risk of HPV-related cancers.¹⁵

Can You Have HPV Without Knowing It?

Absolutely.

In fact, **most HPV infections cause no symptoms whatsoever.**²

A person may carry HPV for months—or even years—without developing genital warts or any visible signs of infection.

This silent phase explains why HPV is so common and why transmission frequently occurs between partners who have no idea they are infected.²

It also explains why identifying exactly when or from whom someone acquired HPV is usually impossible.

Testing positive for HPV—or developing an HPV-related condition—does not necessarily indicate recent sexual activity or infidelity. The virus may have been acquired many years earlier before becoming detectable.²

How Is HPV Treated?

There is currently **no medication that eliminates HPV itself.**²

Instead, treatment focuses on managing the health conditions the virus may cause while allowing the immune system to clear the infection naturally.

Treatment depends on the specific condition.

Genital Warts

Treatment options include:

• prescription topical medications
• cryotherapy (freezing the wart)
• electrocautery
• laser therapy
• surgical removal²

Although treatment removes visible warts, it does not guarantee the virus has been completely eliminated, and recurrence is possible while HPV remains active.²

Precancerous Lesions

Abnormal tissue caused by persistent HPV infection may require removal before cancer develops.

Depending on the location, treatment may include:

• surgical excision
• laser treatment
• local ablative therapies
• ongoing surveillance¹²

Early treatment of precancerous lesions is highly effective at preventing progression to invasive cancer.

HPV-Related Cancers

Treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer but may include:

• surgery
• radiation therapy
• chemotherapy
• immunotherapy
• targeted therapies¹³

Outcomes are generally much better when cancers are detected early.

Myth vs. Fact

Myth: Only women get HPV.

Fact: HPV affects men and women at similar rates and can cause disease in both sexes.²

Myth: If I don’t have symptoms, I don’t have HPV.

Fact: Most HPV infections produce no symptoms at all, yet the virus can still be transmitted to partners.²

Myth: HPV always causes cancer.

Fact: The vast majority of HPV infections are cleared naturally without ever causing cancer. Persistent infection with high-risk HPV types is the primary concern.¹⁴

Myth: Condoms completely prevent HPV.

Fact: Condoms significantly reduce transmission but cannot provide complete protection because HPV spreads through skin-to-skin contact involving areas not covered by a condom.⁷

Myth: HPV only affects young people.

Fact: Although HPV is most commonly acquired soon after becoming sexually active, persistent infections and HPV-related cancers may develop years or even decades later.²

Prevention: How Can Men Reduce Their Risk of HPV?

Because HPV is extremely common and often spreads without symptoms, it is not always possible to prevent exposure completely. However, several evidence-based strategies can significantly reduce the risk of infection and HPV-related disease.¹⁶

The most effective approaches include:

• Receiving the HPV vaccine
• Practicing safer sex
• Avoiding tobacco use
• Maintaining a healthy immune system
• Seeking medical evaluation for persistent genital or oral symptoms

Together, these strategies help reduce both the likelihood of acquiring HPV and the risk of developing long-term complications.

HPV Vaccination: The Best Protection Against HPV-Related Disease

The HPV vaccine is one of the greatest public health successes in cancer prevention.

Current vaccines protect against the HPV types responsible for the majority of HPV-related cancers and genital warts. In Canada and the United States, Gardasil 9® is the vaccine currently used. It protects against nine HPV types:

• HPV 6 and 11 (responsible for most genital warts)
• HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58 (associated with most HPV-related cancers)¹⁷

Clinical trials and real-world studies have shown that HPV vaccination dramatically reduces infections with vaccine-covered HPV types, decreases the incidence of genital warts, and lowers the risk of precancerous lesions that can lead to cancer.¹⁸

Vaccination is most effective before exposure to HPV, which is why routine immunization is recommended during adolescence. However, vaccination can still provide meaningful protection for many adults who have not previously been vaccinated.¹⁶

Who Should Get the HPV Vaccine?

Current recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), and other international health organizations include:

Routine vaccination

• Boys and girls aged 11 to 12 years
• Vaccination may begin as early as 9 years of age.¹⁶

Catch-up vaccination

Vaccination is recommended for:

• Everyone through 26 years of age if they were not adequately vaccinated earlier.¹⁶

Adults Aged 27–45 Years

Some adults between 27 and 45 years may still benefit from vaccination after discussing their individual risk factors with a healthcare provider.

Although vaccination provides less benefit after years of sexual activity—because prior exposure to HPV becomes more likely—it can still protect against HPV types a person has not yet encountered.¹⁶

It is important to remember that **the vaccine prevents new HPV infections but does not treat existing infections or HPV-related disease.**¹⁶

Safer Sex Can Lower Risk-But Not Eliminate It

Because HPV spreads through skin-to-skin contact, condoms and dental dams cannot provide complete protection.

However, consistent condom use has been shown to reduce HPV transmission and may also promote clearance of HPV infections by reducing repeated viral exposure.⁷

Additional ways to lower risk include:

• limiting the number of sexual partners
• discussing sexual health openly with partners
• avoiding sexual contact when genital warts are present
• completing the HPV vaccination series before becoming sexually active whenever possible¹⁶

Rather than relying on one prevention strategy alone, experts recommend combining vaccination with safer sexual practices.

Does Lifestyle Affect HPV?

Yes.

The immune system plays a central role in clearing HPV infections, and several lifestyle factors can influence immune function.

Research suggests that smoking is associated with persistent HPV infection and an increased risk of HPV-related cancers.¹⁵ Tobacco smoke impairs local immune responses and may reduce the body’s ability to eliminate HPV-infected cells.

Although no specific diet or supplement has been proven to cure HPV, maintaining overall health supports normal immune function.

Evidence-based lifestyle habits include:

• not smoking
• engaging in regular physical activity
• consuming a nutrient-rich diet
• maintaining a healthy body weight
• getting adequate sleep
• managing chronic health conditions²

These strategies support overall health and may contribute to the body’s natural ability to clear viral infections.

Can Diet Support Your Immune Response to HPV?

While no food or supplement has been proven to eliminate HPV, emerging research suggests that certain nutrients and plant compounds may help support immune function and healthy cellular processes involved in the body’s natural response to viral infections. A diet rich in colourful fruits and vegetables provides antioxidants, vitamins, and carotenoids that help protect cells from oxidative stress and support normal immune function.² Recent studies have also found that higher dietary intake of carotenoids and lycopene may be associated with a lower risk of persistent HPV infection and cervical cellular abnormalities, although more research is needed to establish cause and effect.¹⁹

Green tea polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), have been extensively studied for their antioxidant, antiviral, and immune-modulating properties. Laboratory and clinical research suggests EGCG may help regulate cellular pathways involved in HPV persistence and support healthy cervical and oral epithelial cells.²⁰ Similarly, cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli contain bioactive compounds including sulforaphane, indole-3-carbinol (I3C), and diindolylmethane (DIM) that have demonstrated potential to support normal estrogen metabolism, antioxidant defenses, and healthy cellular function in HPV-related research.²¹

For individuals looking to optimize nutritional intake, supplements formulated with evidence-based ingredients may complement a healthy lifestyle. Papillex® contains key vitamins and minerals that support immune health—including vitamins A, C, E, folate, vitamin B12, zinc, and selenium—alongside research-backed botanical ingredients such as green tea extract (standardized for EGCG), broccoli sprout extract, astragalus root, natural lycopene, and reishi mushroom. While these ingredients have individually demonstrated antioxidant, immune-supportive, or cellular health benefits in published research, supplements should be viewed as part of a comprehensive approach that also includes vaccination, a nutrient-rich diet, regular medical care, and healthy lifestyle habits.²⁰⁻²²

Frequently Asked Questions

Can men carry HPV without symptoms?

Yes.

Most HPV infections in men are asymptomatic. A man can carry and transmit HPV without ever developing genital warts or other noticeable signs of infection.²

Can HPV go away?

In most cases, yes.

Approximately 90% of HPV infections are cleared naturally within one to two years by the immune system.² Persistent infection is less common but is the primary risk factor for HPV-related cancers.¹⁴

Can men be tested for HPV?

Routine HPV testing is not recommended for most men because there is no approved screening test that has been shown to improve outcomes in the general male population.¹⁰

Some high-risk individuals, such as men who have sex with men or people living with HIV, may benefit from anal cancer screening based on their healthcare provider’s recommendations.¹²

Does HPV always cause genital warts?

No.

Many HPV types never cause visible symptoms.

Only certain low-risk HPV types—primarily HPV 6 and HPV 11—cause most genital warts. High-risk HPV types are more likely to cause abnormal cellular changes than visible warts.⁴

Can HPV cause throat cancer?

Yes.

Persistent infection with high-risk HPV, particularly HPV16, is responsible for the majority of HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers in North America and many other high-income countries.⁹

These cancers affect areas including the tonsils and the base of the tongue and are more common in men than women.⁹

If I’ve had HPV before, should I still get vaccinated?

Possibly.

Having one HPV infection does not provide protection against all HPV types. Vaccination may still reduce the risk of future infections with HPV types you have not previously encountered.¹⁶

Whether vaccination is appropriate depends on your age, vaccination history, and personal risk factors.

The Bottom Line

HPV is one of the most common viral infections worldwide, and men are just as likely as women to acquire it during their lifetime. Although most infections resolve naturally without causing symptoms, persistent infection with high-risk HPV types can lead to genital warts, precancerous lesions, and several types of cancer.

The encouraging news is that HPV-related disease is largely preventable.

Vaccination, safer sexual practices, avoiding tobacco, and seeking medical evaluation for persistent symptoms all play important roles in reducing the burden of HPV. Understanding how HPV affects men empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their health and helps reduce stigma surrounding one of the world’s most common sexually transmitted infections.

Whether you’re considering vaccination, looking for answers after a recent diagnosis, or simply wanting to better understand HPV, knowledge remains one of the most powerful tools for protecting your health.

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Giuliano AR, Nyitray AG, Kreimer AR, et al. EUROGIN 2014 Roadmap: Differences in HPV infection natural history, transmission and human papillomavirus-related cancer incidence by gender and anatomic site of infection. Int J Cancer. 2015;136(12):2752-2760.

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Sepkovic DW, Stein J, Carlisle AD, et al. Bioavailability and effects of indole-3-carbinol and 3,3′-diindolylmethane on biomarkers of cervical health and estrogen metabolism. Anticancer Res. 2009;29(7):2611-2617.