{"id":2651,"date":"2026-03-10T11:28:49","date_gmt":"2026-03-10T11:28:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/?p=2651"},"modified":"2026-10-13T16:10:48","modified_gmt":"2026-10-13T16:10:48","slug":"what-happens-if-men-get-hpv","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/what-happens-if-men-get-hpv\/","title":{"rendered":"HPV Infection in Men: What Happens, Risks, and Treatment Options"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>When HPV is seen in men, it is generally associated with genital warts, asymptomatic infections, and rarely penile, anal, or oropharyngeal cancers. In most cases, the virus is cleared by the immune system, but some types may cause persistent infection.<\/p>\n<p>HPV symptoms in men can often progress silently, and this increases the risk of transmission. While low-risk HPV types lead to genital warts, high-risk types may cause cellular changes and pave the way for the development of malignancy.<\/p>\n<p>HPV infection creates different clinical pictures in men depending on immune status. Factors such as smoking, a history of multiple partners, and unprotected sexual contact are among the important factors that increase the persistence of infection and the risk of complications.<\/p>\n<p>HPV prevention methods play a critical role in preventing the spread of infection in men. Vaccination, condom use, and regular health check-ups provide individual protection and also contribute to reducing the transmission chain of the virus across society.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_89 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #ffffff;color:#ffffff\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #ffffff;color:#ffffff\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/what-happens-if-men-get-hpv\/#Can_HPV_Be_Understood_in_Men\" >Can HPV Be Understood in Men?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/what-happens-if-men-get-hpv\/#Which_Types_of_Cancer_Can_HPV_Cause_in_Men\" >Which Types of Cancer Can HPV Cause in Men?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/what-happens-if-men-get-hpv\/#Effects_of_HPV_on_Reproductive_Health_in_Men\" >Effects of HPV on Reproductive Health in Men<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/what-happens-if-men-get-hpv\/#Can_HPV_Be_Treated_in_Men\" >Can HPV Be Treated in Men?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/what-happens-if-men-get-hpv\/#Is_the_HPV_Vaccine_Necessary_for_Men\" >Is the HPV Vaccine Necessary for Men?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/what-happens-if-men-get-hpv\/#How_Does_HPV_Affect_Men\" >How Does HPV Affect Men?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/what-happens-if-men-get-hpv\/#HPV_Carrier_Men_and_the_Risk_of_Transmission_to_Their_Partners\" >HPV Carrier Men and the Risk of Transmission to Their Partners<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/what-happens-if-men-get-hpv\/#Can_HPV_Pass_Through_a_Condom\" >Can HPV Pass Through a Condom?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_HPV_Be_Understood_in_Men\"><\/span>Can HPV Be Understood in Men?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>HPV infection usually progresses without symptoms in men. This condition may cause the virus to remain unnoticed for a long time and be transmitted to others. Its asymptomatic course is one of the most dangerous aspects of HPV because the person may transmit the virus to their partners without knowing they carry it.<\/p>\n<p>However, certain symptoms may appear in some men. The most common symptom is genital warts (condylomas). These warts may form as small skin tags on the penis, scrotum, around the anus, or in the groin area. Some are seen individually, while others appear in groups. They are usually painless, but they may cause itching, irritation, or bleeding.<\/p>\n<p>While low-risk types of HPV cause wart formation, high-risk types may cause cancer without showing any symptoms. This is associated especially with the development of cancers of the anal region, penis, inside of the mouth, and throat in men. Therefore, the thought \u201cI have no symptoms\u201d does not guarantee that you do not carry HPV.<\/p>\n<p>In individuals with a strong immune system, the virus is often eliminated from the body, but in some people it may become persistent in the body. Persistent HPV infection may pave the way for cancer over time. Therefore, protecting against sexually transmitted diseases and having regular check-ups are of great importance.<\/p>\n<p>If you notice an abnormal lesion, swelling, itching, or discharge in the genital area, this may be a sign of HPV. Men who frequently change partners or individuals with immune-suppressing diseases such as HIV should be especially careful.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_Types_of_Cancer_Can_HPV_Cause_in_Men\"><\/span>Which Types of Cancer Can HPV Cause in Men?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>HPV is a virus that can seriously affect not only women but also men. Especially high-risk HPV types in men may cause the development of various types of cancer over time. These cancers usually do not show symptoms for a long time and may be life-threatening if not diagnosed early.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Penile Cancer: HPV is one of the most important causes of penile cancer. It is generally associated with high-risk HPV types numbered 16 and 18. Penile cancer may appear as a wound, mass, bleeding, or color change on the head or shaft of the penis. Although it is rarely seen, it is a serious condition that should be considered in individuals at risk.<\/li>\n<li>Anal Cancer: HPV increases the risk of anal cancer in men, especially in those who have homosexual intercourse or individuals with a suppressed immune system. This type of cancer may present with symptoms such as pain, bleeding, itching, or discharge around the anus. Regular control is vitally important for early diagnosis.<\/li>\n<li>Mouth and Throat Cancers (Oropharyngeal Cancer): HPV, especially when transmitted through oral sex, may lead to cancer development inside the mouth, tonsils, base of the tongue, and throat. It is more common in men compared to women. It may present with symptoms such as sore throat, voice changes, and difficulty swallowing. Therefore, long-lasting throat problems must be evaluated.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Effects_of_HPV_on_Reproductive_Health_in_Men\"><\/span>Effects of HPV on Reproductive Health in Men<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>HPV is not limited only to causing wart formation on the skin or cancer in men; it may also create significant effects on reproductive health. Since the virus often does not show symptoms, it is difficult to notice, but in the long term it may negatively affect both fertility and sexual health.<\/p>\n<p>Studies show that HPV can directly affect sperm quality. The virus that attaches to sperm cells may reduce sperm motility, impair morphology, and decrease fertilization ability. This condition may contribute to male infertility. Especially in men planning to have children, this effect may make the treatment process more difficult if it goes unnoticed.<\/p>\n<p>HPV does not remain only in the male carrier; it may also be transmitted to the partner through semen. This may cause both the partner to become infected and encounter serious health problems such as cervical cancer in the following period. Therefore, it is of great importance for men who are HPV carriers to have regular sexual health check-ups and take protective measures.<\/p>\n<p>Traces of the virus may also be found in the male reproductive system, especially in the prostate gland. Although a direct relationship has not been proven, the potential effects of HPV on organs such as the prostate and testicles are being investigated. In addition, warts or lesions that form in the genital area may cause pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse and pave the way for sexual dysfunctions.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_HPV_Be_Treated_in_Men\"><\/span>Can HPV Be Treated in Men?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Since HPV is a virus-based infection, there is no medication treatment that directly eliminates the virus. However, the symptoms and lesions caused by HPV in men can be effectively controlled with medical interventions. The treatment process is generally determined according to the severity and extent of symptoms and the patient\u2019s general health condition.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Genital Wart Treatment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Genital warts, the most common symptom of HPV, create both physical discomfort and increase the risk of transmission. The main treatment methods used for these warts are as follows:<\/p>\n<p>Cryotherapy (freezing method): This method, commonly used in the treatment of genital warts, allows lesions to be frozen and destroyed with the help of liquid nitrogen. During the procedure, the tissue where the wart is located is cooled, its cellular structure is disrupted, and it is made to fall off over time.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Electrocauterization: The wart is removed by burning it with electric current.<br \/>\nLaser treatment: It is preferred especially in stubborn and widespread warts.<br \/>\nTopical medications: Wart-reducing creams such as podophyllin and imiquimod may be applied under dermatologist supervision.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These treatment methods eliminate warts but do not completely eliminate the virus. In other words, in people with a strong immune system, the virus may be cleared from the body over time, but this is not valid for every patient.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Strengthening the Immune System<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>One of the most important factors in HPV treatment is having a strong immune system. Balanced nutrition, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and a lifestyle away from stress increase the body\u2019s capacity to fight the virus. In individuals with immune-suppressing diseases, HPV infection may be more persistent.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Regular Follow-Up and Control<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In HPV treatment, even if the warts have been completely cleared, this does not mean that the disease has ended. Patients must be followed by a urology specialist at certain intervals and checked for new lesions. Especially if high-risk HPV types have been detected, regular control is vitally important because they carry a long-term cancer risk.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_the_HPV_Vaccine_Necessary_for_Men\"><\/span>Is the HPV Vaccine Necessary for Men?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The HPV vaccine is very important not only for women but also for men. Because HPV may cause serious health problems in men as well. In addition to genital warts, it carries a high risk in the development of some cancer types in the penis, anus, and throat region. Reducing these risks in men also prevents the spread of HPV throughout society. Therefore, men being vaccinated is a major step in terms of both individual health and public health.<\/p>\n<p>The HPV vaccine not only protects men from these diseases; it also reduces the possibility of transmitting the virus to others. Especially in individuals with an active sexual life, the risk of transmission is quite high. Thanks to the vaccine, it is possible to gain immunity before encountering the virus. This is one of the most effective protection methods against HPV.<\/p>\n<p>Experts recommend administering the HPV vaccine between the ages of 11-12. However, vaccination is also quite beneficial for men up to the age of 26. Especially in individuals who have not yet encountered the virus, the protection of the vaccine is much higher. In men between the ages of 27-45, vaccination may also be administered in some cases; it is most appropriate to make this decision with a doctor\u2019s evaluation.<\/p>\n<p>The HPV vaccine is generally administered in three doses, and all doses must be given on time for full protection. In vaccinated men, both wart formation and the risk of transformation into cancer decrease significantly.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Does_HPV_Affect_Men\"><\/span>How Does HPV Affect Men?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Receiving an HPV diagnosis may create not only physical but also psychological and social effects for men. Especially when it presents with symptoms such as warts in the genital area, it may negatively affect a person\u2019s self-confidence, sexual life, and social relationships.<\/p>\n<p>Many men diagnosed with HPV may initially experience feelings such as anxiety, shame, and fear. Questions such as \u201cWhere did I get it?\u201d, \u201cWill I transmit it to someone else?\u201d or \u201cHow will my partner react to me?\u201d occupy the individual\u2019s mind. This condition may lead to stress, depression, and even social isolation in the person. Especially in individuals with a steady partner, trust issues may begin in the relationship.<\/p>\n<p>Sexual life may also be disrupted during this process. The aesthetic and physical discomfort of warts may create sexual reluctance in the individual. In addition, fear of transmission may cause distancing from the partner or avoidance of sexual intercourse. This may also bring communication problems in relationships.<\/p>\n<p>Another important issue is that HPV creates a feeling of \u201cstigma.\u201d Being a sexually transmitted infection triggers feelings of shame and hesitation in some individuals. This may delay the person\u2019s access to healthcare services. However, early diagnosis is an important step in reducing the psychological burden.<\/p>\n<p>At this point, reaching accurate information about HPV, accepting the process, and receiving psychological support when necessary are of great importance. At the same time, open communication with the doctor facilitates active participation in the treatment process. It should not be forgotten that HPV is a very common virus in society and many people may encounter this virus at some point in their lives. Therefore, instead of being ashamed, acting consciously and getting support allows the process to be managed more healthily both physically and psychologically.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"HPV_Carrier_Men_and_the_Risk_of_Transmission_to_Their_Partners\"><\/span>HPV Carrier Men and the Risk of Transmission to Their Partners<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Men who are HPV carriers carry the risk of transmitting the virus to their partners even if they are unaware of it. Because HPV often progresses without symptoms and a person may be a carrier for years without experiencing any symptoms. This condition creates a major threat to partners\u2019 health. Especially in female partners, it may pave the way for serious diseases such as cervical cancer.<\/p>\n<p>The most common route of HPV transmission is sexual contact. During vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse, the virus can easily pass through skin-to-skin contact. Therefore, condom use reduces the risk of transmission but does not completely eliminate it. Because condoms do not cover all areas where the virus is located.<\/p>\n<p>If a man is an HPV carrier and has intercourse with his partner without being aware of it, this person may become infected with the virus. The greatest risk in female partners is high-risk HPV types that cause cervical cancer. If the male partner is a carrier, it is vitally important for the woman to have regular smear tests and HPV screening.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_HPV_Pass_Through_a_Condom\"><\/span>Can HPV Pass Through a Condom?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted viruses, and most people encounter this virus at some point in their lives. The first protection method that comes to mind is condom use. However, one of the frequently asked questions is: \u201cDoes using a condom completely protect against HPV?\u201d Unfortunately, the answer to this question is no. Condoms do not provide full protection against HPV, but they significantly reduce the risk of transmission.<\/p>\n<p>Condoms largely prevent direct contact between the penis and vagina. However, HPV can be found not only in these areas but also on the skin surfaces around the genital area. For example, areas such as the groin, around the anus, or inner thigh are not covered by a condom. The virus may be transmitted from these areas through contact. In other words, since HPV can also be transmitted through skin contact, the risk of transmission does not completely disappear despite condom use.<\/p>\n<p>Nevertheless, condoms provide serious protection against many sexually transmitted diseases, including HPV. Especially when used regularly and correctly, they may reduce the likelihood of transmission by 60-70%. Therefore, condom use during sexual intercourse is extremely important for both individual and partner health.<\/p>\n<p>To provide more effective protection, in addition to condom use, HPV vaccination, strengthening the immune system, and regular health check-ups should not be neglected. Although condoms do not provide one hundred percent protection, they are much safer than unprotected sexual intercourse.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When HPV is seen in men, it is generally associated with genital warts, asymptomatic infections, and rarely penile, anal, or oropharyngeal cancers. In most cases, the virus is cleared by the immune system, but some types may cause persistent infection. HPV symptoms in men can often progress silently, and this increases the risk of transmission. [&#8230;]\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2650,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2651","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-general"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2651","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2651"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2651\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5172,"href":"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2651\/revisions\/5172"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2650"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2651"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2651"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2651"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}