Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that infects the skin and mucous membranes. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted virus in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), most sexually active adults will get HPV at some point in their lives. The majority of men who get HPV will never develop symptoms or problems. However, if symptoms do occur, there are methods available to treat the health problems caused by HPV.
Identification
There are three main health problems caused by HPV: genital warts, penile cancer and anal cancer. Genital warts are by far the most common health concern caused by HPV. Symptoms include one or more growths in the genital region, which may be raised, flat or cauliflower-shaped. They usually cause no pain or discomfort and may take weeks to months after sexual contact to appear.
Anal and penile cancer are far less common. Signs of anal cancer include bleeding, pain, itching or discharge. Also look for changes in bowel habits or shape of your stool. Swollen lymph nodes in the anal or groin area may also appear. With penile cancer, look for changes in color, skin thickening or tissue buildup on the penis itself. Later signs are growths or sores that may bleed.
If you experience any signs of anal or penile cancer, consult your doctor immediately. Treatment is more effective when these types of cancer are caught early on.
Treatment
A physician can opt for removal of the warts via surgery or freeze them warts. The patient may choose to treat at home, applying medicine to the affected areas. Genital warts often come back, so several treatments may be necessary.
Unlike genital warts, penile and anal cancer must be treated. There are forms of surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, and often, more than one of these treatments may be used together. It is imperative that a patient discuss with his doctor the best treatment plan.
Communicability
Even with treatment, a man may still pass HPV to his partner. Because of this, men sometimes chose not to treat HPV. Genital warts will not turn into cancer and are not a threat to a man's health. However, there are risks of spreading HPV to others through sexual activity (see Resources).
Tags: penile cancer, anal cancer, Genital warts, genital warts penile, health problems, health problems caused