HPV in Men - How Long Does it Last?

The human papillomavirus or HPV can infect both males and females. There are a number of HPV types that have been identified and linked to a variety of disorders ranging from different types of warts to cancers. The HPV types that cause warts are usually different from the ones that cause the development of cancer. Human papillomavirus in women is also the cause of cervical cancer in a majority of cases. This virus infects the genital areas and mucous membranes and is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases.

Detection of HPV in Men
HPV infections are so common that at times, they might even go unnoticed. At times, a person might have HPV and not know it. Most people do not show any symptoms when infected, though certain types of HPV can cause warts and even cancer.

Symptoms
There could be a number of symptoms of HPV infection, according to the type of virus that has caused it. Some of the common symptoms in men are:

• Genital Warts: These are caused by HPV types 6 and 11. These types are not the cancer causing HPVs. They could have different appearances including a blackish patch, or a tiny straight growth.
• Oral and Respiratory HPV Infection: These cause warts on the tongue, throat tissue and even the nose. They could be caused by both, the harmless 6 and 11 types of HPV or the more dangerous 16 and 18 HPV types.
• Common Warts: These are warts on hands and fingers. They are often seen in children infected with HPV and are not too common in adults.
• Plantar Warts: These warts occur on the soles or toe areas, as hard patches, and cause pain and discomfort. Plantar warts on feet are caused by HPV types 1, 2 ,4 or 63.

Causes
The main methods of HPV transmission are by physical or sexual contact. The oral, anal and genital infections are caused by unprotected sex with an infected individual. Plantar warts can be caused by an exposed area of your skin coming in contact with an infected floor such as in public swimming pools or shower areas. These virus are known to live for days without a host.

Treatment
The treatment of warts include using salicylic acid, cryotherapy or even surgery. For genital warts, the most common cream/gel used is podofillox. Cryotherapy is regarded as the most effective method. There is no medical cure for HPV, but a vaccine for men is available in the market, to prevent infection especially by genital warts. This vaccine is known as Gardasil. The first symptoms like warts may appear even months after infection but usually get removed by the immune system. Regular Pap tests should be conducted especially in women or bisexual and gay men who might have a risk of anal and genital infection, which may go unnoticed.

How Long Does HPV in Men Last?
The duration of symptoms of an HPV infection varies according to the type that has caused the infection. The symptoms for genital, plantar, common and even oral warts usually go away after a while, but they could get worse. Do see a doctor and do not wait and watch. Cover the warts up, in all cases of warts except genital warts. This prevents oxygen from getting to the wart which eventually causes it to die.

HPV is a very common disease and can be prevented by maintaining hygiene and also by using protection during sexual intercourse. These may not be hundred percent effective in eliminating risk of infection and it's best to get vaccinated, to prevent any chances of infection.