Young Men and HPV

Can men get HPV too?

Yes, young men are at risk. In fact, every person, man or woman, who has had sex, is at risk. 75% of sexually active Canadians will have at least one HPV infection in their lifetime. Most cases of HPV are found in people aged 15 to 24.

How does HPV affect young men?

Genital warts are the most common sign of HPV in young men. In fact, genital warts seem to affect as many young men as young women. Some very rare cancers in young men are also caused by HPV. Up to 90% of anal cancers (more common among men who have sex with men), 40 to 50% of cancers of the penis and 10 to 20% of cancers of the mouth, head, and neck are caused by HPV infection. These cancers do not usually develop until later in life.

Are genital warts a sign of HPV?

Genital warts are often the only sign that someone has an HPV infection. In fact, it is the most common sign of HPV in young men.  There may be one or many warts that you can see and feel on the penis, scrotum, anus or thighs. They may look like small cauliflower. You may not be able to see some warts because they grow inside the anus. Although the warts are unpleasant to look at, most of them are not painful. Sometimes, they cause burning or itching.

Some studies have shown that 2 out of 3 people who have sexual contact with a person who has genital warts will become infected.

Can genital warts be treated?

Yes, genital warts can be treated. In some cases, warts are treated at home with medicine and in others at a clinic, with medicine, freezing or surgery. But no treatment can destroy the virus. When the warts are gone, it does not mean that the HPV is gone. In 1 out of every 4 cases, the warts will return within 3 months.

Once the HPV virus enters your body, it remains there. Sometimes it is latent. This means you do not see or feel any signs of the virus. It may reveal itself at any time, for example, in the form of warts. 

Can young men get the HPV vaccination?

Although young men can be infected with HPV, vaccination is not yet recommended for them.  Research is being done to find out whether the vaccine is effective in young men. Currently in Canada, HPV vaccination is only recommended for girls and young women aged 9 to 26.

If you see warts, blisters, sores, white patches or anything that seems out of the ordinary on your genital area, or if you feel pain, itching or burning, visit a clinic or see your doctor.

Do I need to worry about HPV if my girlfriend has had the HPV vaccination?

If your girlfriend has been vaccinated, she is more likely to be free of the HPV types prevented by the vaccine (types 6, 11, 16, 18). These cause most genital warts and cancers of the cervix. But this does not mean you are fully protected from HPV infections. She can still carry other types of the HPV virus. If your girlfriend was sexually active before she was vaccinated, she may have one of the types preventable by the vaccine. Vaccination can only prevent, not cure or  treat an HPV infection.

As well, there is still a need to practice safe sex, as your partner can also have other STIs.