Human Papillomavirus

HPV in Men

Some of the 30 or so types of HPV associated with genital cancers can lead to cancer of the anus or penis in men. Both of these cancer types are rare, especially in men with a healthy immune system. To diagnose genital warts in men, the doctor will visually check a man's genital area to see if warts are present. Some doctors will apply a vinegar solution to help identify warts that aren't raised and visible. There is no treatment for HPV infection in men, when genital warts appear,treatments like radiation, chemotherapy and surgery for anal cancer can be done. The HPV vaccine Gardasil, approved for use in females in 2006, was approved for males in 2009. More recently, the FDA approved Gardasil 9. Gardasil 9 is approved for use in males ages 9 to 15. Abstinence is the only sure way to prevent HPV transmission.