HPV Screening in Male Partners
No, men do not need HPV screening if their partner has HPV 16. The CDC explicitly states that HPV tests should not be used to screen men or partners of women with HPV 1, 2.
Why Screening Is Not Recommended
There is no clinically validated HPV test for men. The FDA-cleared HPV tests are only approved for use with cervical specimens, not for testing men 2. These tests detect viral DNA or messenger RNA but lack clinical validation for male screening purposes 2.
HPV testing in men provides no clinical benefit because:
- Within an ongoing sexual relationship, both partners are usually already infected by the time one person is diagnosed with HPV, even if signs of infection are not apparent 1
- Most HPV infections clear spontaneously without causing health problems 1
- No validated screening exists for HPV-related cancers in men (oropharyngeal, anal, or penile cancers) 3
What Men Should Know Instead
Focus on clinical manifestations, not testing:
- The most common manifestation of HPV in men is genital warts, which can be diagnosed by visual inspection 2
- Men should be examined for visible genital warts if present, but routine screening for asymptomatic HPV is not indicated 1
Both partners should be screened for other STDs if one partner has genital warts or HPV-related conditions 1.
Important Counseling Points
Transmission is likely already occurred:
- A diagnosis of HPV in one partner does not indicate sexual infidelity in the other partner 1
- HPV is extremely common—most sexually active adults will acquire HPV at some point 1
Prevention strategies going forward:
- Correct and consistent condom use may lower chances of transmitting HPV, but is not fully protective since HPV can infect areas not covered by condoms 1
- HPV vaccination can be considered for males aged 9-26 years, though it does not treat existing infection 1, 2
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Do not order HPV testing for men—it is not clinically indicated and provides no actionable information 2
- Do not test for low-risk HPV types (6 and 11)—this provides no clinical benefit 2
- Do not use HPV testing to decide whether to vaccinate—vaccination decisions should be based on age and vaccination history, not testing 2