HPV Facts for Males

Yes—you are at risk for HPV and the cancers that it causes. HPV can cause genital warts as well as cancers of the anus, penis and mouth/throat in men. You can also spread HPV to your sexual partners. All of the currently available vaccines prevent infection with HPV types that cause most HPV-related cancers, and some vaccines also protect against the types that cause genital warts. The most important step you can take to prevent HPV is to get vaccinated before you have sex.

The types of HPV that can cause cancer in the genital region, anal region, and throat are mostly spread through sexual contact. They can also spread from one part your genital skin or throat to another part of your genital skin or throat.

HPV can cause cancer of the:

• cervix (part of the womb; cervical cancer)
• anus (anal cancer)
• back of the throat (oropharynx) or mouth (oropharyngeal cancer)
• vulva and vagina (vulvar and vaginal cancer)
• penis (penile cancer)

1. Try to avoid getting HPV by getting vaccinated and using condoms (see above).
2. Go for cervical screening if it’s available. Cervical screening aims to detect the cell changes caused by HPV so that the abnormal cells can be removed before they can turn into cancer.  Many countries offer cervical screening- ask your healthcare provider for more information.  
3. Screening for changes caused by HPV in the anus is also available in some locations.  Anal screening is relatively new and is still very limited- ask your healthcare provider for more information.  
4. If you smoke, try to stop. Smoking can make it harder for your immune system to get rid of HPV.
5. If you have any symptoms or changes to your body that are unusual for you, such as pain in the anal or genital area, a new growth or lump, or bleeding, get them checked by a healthcare provider.

Different countries have different guidelines about who should have the HPV vaccine. Check with your healthcare provider. The most important target groups are:

• girls and boys aged 9-14 years
• older adolescents and young adults who missed out when they were younger, typically up to age 26 years
• older adults can receive the HPV vaccine in some countries up to age 45 years
• high-risk groups (e.g. men who have sex with men; people living with HIV and people with reduced immunity for reasons other than HIV)

Yes. The vaccine protects against any HPV types you have not yet been exposed to. Getting vaccinated might also protect your sexual partners. Talk to your healthcare provider to find out if you can have the HPV vaccine.

In the future, men living with HIV may be screened for anal cancer.  Additional research is needed to see if anal cancer screening also works in other groups at increased risk of anal cancer, such as men who have sex with men

Yes—regardless of sex or gender we are all at risk for HPV- it’s sexually transmitted. HPV can cause genital warts as well as cancers of the anus, penis and mouth/throat. HPV is also easily passed to sexual partners. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect your children from genital warts and HPV-related cancers.  Vaccination is most effective when given prior to initiation of sexual activity.  If you can, get your child vaccinated!