Can a 24-year-old male (M) still develop genital warts or other conditions associated with Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection if he has not contracted HPV?

From the Guidelines

Yes, a 24-year-old male who has not yet contracted HPV can still get infected. HPV (human papillomavirus) is the most common sexually transmitted infection and can be spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact, not just through penetrative sex [ 1 ]. The virus can infect anyone regardless of age or gender. For males aged 24, prevention options include the HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9), which is approved for males up to age 45 and protects against the most high-risk HPV types that cause cancers and genital warts.

Key Points to Consider

• Having a new sex partner is a risk factor for acquiring a new HPV infection [ 1 ]
• Most sexually active adults have been exposed to some HPV types, although not necessarily all of the HPV types targeted by vaccination [ 1 ]
• HPV vaccine efficacy is high among persons who have not been exposed to vaccine-type HPV before vaccination [ 1 ]
• Using condoms consistently can reduce but not eliminate transmission risk since HPV can infect areas not covered by condoms
• Regular sexual health screenings are important, though routine HPV testing is not typically done for males
• HPV infections often clear naturally within 1-2 years, but some persistent infections can lead to genital warts or certain cancers later in life, which is why prevention is important even if you haven't been infected yet [ 1 ]

Recommendations

• The HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9) is recommended for males up to age 45 to protect against the most high-risk HPV types that cause cancers and genital warts [ 1 ]
• Shared clinical decision-making regarding HPV vaccination is recommended for some adults age 27 through 45 years who are not adequately vaccinated [ 1 ]
• Clinicians can consider discussing HPV vaccination with persons who are most likely to benefit [ 1 ]

From the Research

HPV Infection and Vaccination

• Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause various cancers, including penile cancer, and other preneoplastic lesions 2, 3.
• Despite the availability of HPV vaccines, vaccination rates among men are low, and gender-neutral vaccination is estimated to be implemented only in 42 countries worldwide 2.
• The HPV vaccine has been shown to be effective in preventing HPV infection, precancerous lesions, and genital warts, with a potential efficacy of 90% and 77.5% to reduce genital warts and anal intraepithelial neoplasia, respectively 2, 4.

Risk of HPV Infection

• Men who have not received the HPV vaccine are still at risk of getting infected with HPV, even if they are 24 years old or older 5.
• The risk of HPV infection increases with the number of sexual partners, and men who have multiple sexual partners are more likely to get infected with HPV 5.
• HPV vaccination is recommended for all individuals, regardless of age, who are at risk of getting infected with HPV, including men who have sex with men 6.

Vaccination Recommendations

• The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends routine HPV vaccination for all girls and boys between the ages of 9 and 13 years, with a catch-up program for those who have not received the vaccine in a routine program 6.
• The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends HPV vaccinations for all girls and boys ages 9 to 14 years in Germany 4.
• Physicians and healthcare providers should advocate for funding and implementation of universal HPV vaccine programs and recommend HPV vaccination to all eligible individuals, including men 2, 6.