When most people think of human papillomavirus (HPV), they think of the virus that causes genital warts – a symptom that is, for the most part, benign.
However, years of public health messaging have helped establish clear links between HPV and negative health outcomes, particularly for women.
In addition to cases of genital warts, some strains of HPV have been linked to cervical cancer. About 95% of all cervical cancer cases are caused by HPV. In the UK, Vaccination rates among women in their 20s have reduced the incidence of cervical cancer by about 87%according to a study conducted by Lancet in 2021.
But this good news hides an unfortunate trend.
Worried about STDs? Try Better2Know today.
What about men?
Men are not vaccinated for HPV as often as women.
HPV vaccination rates for men have remained stubbornly lower than rates for women. Although increasing, vaccination rates for men in England have been lower than for women, particularly in school-based HPV vaccination programmes. Between 2022 and 2023, year 9, dose 2 rates among men were just 62% compared to 78% among women. Vaccination for men is lower in all years.
HPV vaccination was only launched for boys in schools in 2019 in England, so the vaccination rate in the general population, particularly in older men, is also likely to be much lower.
In general, this could reflect a lack of knowledge about the virus or the impression that the worst effects of HPV are only felt by women and therefore treatment should only be sought by women.
But since men can spread the infection to women (and other men, too), it’s not ideal to vaccinate just one gender.
How does HPV affect men?
Most men will get HPV at some point in their lives – about 8 in 10. Your chance of getting HPV will increase with the number of sexual partners you have.
Most strains of HPV are harmless, cause no symptoms, and are cleared by your immune system without incident.
However, some strains of HPV can cause some serious damage to your health.
The most common symptom of HPV is genital warts. These warts are usually fleshy bumps that appear on the penis or the wider genital area. They tend not to itch and can vary in color depending on skin tone.
Occasionally, genital warts can become so large that they make intercourse difficult. But for the most part, it’s harmless to the carrier. They can be treated with topical creams, freezing or surgery. However, most warts will disappear on their own within several months or years.
HPV, however, can also cause more serious conditions, such as certain cancers.
Just like cervical cancer for women, 14 different high-risk strains of HPV can cause cancers of the throat, mouth, throat and genitals.
Specifically, men may develop penile cancer as a result of exposure to a high-risk strain of HPV. About 60% of all penile cancers are caused by high-risk HPV. But risk factors for the development of penile cancer include:
- Uncircumcised: having a foreskin creates a wet breeding ground where many bacterial infections can take root. Improper or irregular cleaning of the foreskin can increase the risk of these infections taking root, which can increase the risk of developing penile cancer
- Gagging: Phimosis is a condition in which uncircumcised men are unable to fully retract the foreskin and clean the penis. This situation makes it easier for the above infections to take root
- Age over 60 years: Most men diagnosed with penile cancer are over the age of 60
- Smoking: Smoking can increase the risk of all types of cancer
- Submit PUVA treatment: Treatment with psoralen and ultraviolet A (PUVA), commonly used to treat psoriasis, may increase the risk of penile cancer
In addition to causing penile cancer, HPV infections have been associated with a fivefold increase in head and neck cancers in men between 2001 and 2017. according to the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
How does HPV cause penile cancer?
HPV is thought to cause penile cancer because it produces E6 and E7 proteins, which block the function of tumor suppressor genes, allowing penile cells to divide uncontrollably. The most common strains involved are HPV 6, HPV 16 and HPV 18.
How common is penile cancer?
Penile cancer is quite rare. However, over the past 30 years, many countries have seen an increase in the number of cases.
According to Cancer Research UK, there are around 760 new cases of penile cancer each year in the UK, with rates expected to rise by 9% each year between 2025 and 2040. About 1 in 400 men will develop penile cancer in their lifetime.
In the rest of the world, penile cancer is more common. In Brazil6,500 amputations were carried out in the last decade as a result of penile cancer, which is largely suspected to be caused by the spread of HPV. The global incidence of penile cancer is expected to 56% increase until 2040.
What are the symptoms of penile cancer?
Most penile cancers affect the foreskin or head of the penis.
Common symptoms include:
- A growth, lump or sore that does not heal within 4 weeks
- Skin rash
- Bleeding from the penis below the foreskin
- Smelly discharge
- Change in the color of the skin of the penis or foreskin
- Fatigue
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Unusual weight loss
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.
How can I avoid HPV?
The best way to avoid HPV, or any STD, is to abstain. However, this is not realistic for many people. The next best way is to have safe sex, ideally in a committed monogamous relationship.
If you’re a man who hasn’t already, you should consider getting the HPV vaccine. Getting vaccinated will help prevent the spread of high-risk strains of HPV and reduce the chance of negative health outcomes if you catch it yourself.
If you already have symptoms of HPV, such as genital warts, you can get tested for the virus at a sexual health clinic near you. Knowing your sexual health status will help you make responsible decisions about your health and the health of your sexual partners. You can also test yourself at home using the Better2Know Genital Warts (HPV) Home Test Kit.
Final thoughts
The best way to protect your sexual health and avoid penile cancer is to know your sexual health status.
If you are concerned about an STD, call the number at the top of this page to speak to one of our friendly Sexual Health Consultants. You can also book a trial or screen today via our online booking process. Click the button below to get started.
Don’t leave your sexual health to chance.
