HPV Transmission to Men

Human papillomavirus (HPV), refers to a group of viruses that usually invade people who are sexually active. HPV infection is considered as a sexually transmitted disease. Although, reports suggest HPV transmission is not a serious issue, in few cases, the infection has caused development of cancer of the genital areas.

Symptoms

Men with a healthy immune system are less likely to show any symptoms even if they are exposed to HPV virus. The person may not know that he is harboring HPV virus for years, before the symptoms appear. The warning signs of HPV infection in men appear as cauliflower-shaped bumpy structures (genital warts) on the penis. Typically, the head of the penis shows these abnormal growths. The symptoms may aggravate in people with an impaired immune system, which may trigger cancerous growth in the genital areas. Penile or anal cancer from HPV infection is a rarity. Skin discoloration and development of painful lesions on the penis are some of the symptoms of penile cancer.

HPV Transmission to Men

Skin-to-Skin Contact
A man making physical contact with a woman carrying HPV virus is susceptible to this form of infection. However, chances of HPV transmission by simply touching the affected woman's skin is less.

Sexual Contact
Having sexual relationship with an infected woman is one way by which this virus is transmitted. Having oral sex with an infected woman can lead to the development of warts in the throat and on the tonsils and tongue. Studies show that sexual intercourse with a woman with HPV infection is the primary reason behind widespread transmission of HPV.

Prevention

Irresponsible sexual behavior is the main culprit behind spread of HPV infection in men. Physical intimacy without use of condoms predisposes men to HPV virus attack. However, following safe sex practices by using condoms can definitely help to prevent contraction of HPV infection. Although use of condoms doesn't mean 100% protection from HPV infection, they considerably reduce the probability of contracting HPV infection. In other words, to avoid high risk HPV transmission, using this contraceptive method is the best option.

Practicing polygamy is considered to be one of the causes of getting HPV infection in men. Having multiple sexual partners increases the chances of meeting a woman with HPV infection. Likewise, as the number of sexual partners decrease, the risk of bumping into HPV infected women also reduces. To be on the safer side why not be faithful to the woman whom you have married or got engaged to?

HPV treatment to men involves relieving the symptoms of this sexually transmitted disease. The virus remains lifelong but with proper HPV treatment for men, one may not even experience its side effects. Topical creams such as Aldara are often prescribed to increase the immune system's resistance against the viral infection. HPV symptoms such as genital warts, may be treated with ointments or a minor surgery may be performed to get rid of these bumpy structures.

Keep in mind that unsafe sex practices are largely responsible for transmitting this viral infection in men. So, use of condoms, avoiding infidelity and being loyal to your partner is all that is required to keep this infection at bay.