From the Guidelines
HPV testing in men is not routinely recommended, but it can be done in certain situations, such as for men who have sex with men or are immunocompromised, where anal Pap tests may be recommended to check for HPV-related cell changes. Testing typically involves taking samples from the penis, scrotum, or anal area, which are then analyzed for the presence of HPV DNA 1. Unlike women, who have standardized cervical screening programs, there is no FDA-approved HPV test specifically for men, partly because HPV infections in men often clear on their own without causing health problems, and because the virus is difficult to detect accurately in male genital tissue 1. Men concerned about HPV should discuss their risk factors with healthcare providers, who may recommend testing based on individual circumstances. Some key points to consider include:
- HPV is a common sexually transmitted virus that can be spread through genital contact, and most sexually active adults will get HPV at some point in their lives 1
- There are no FDA-approved screening tests for detecting HPV in men, but anal Pap tests may be recommended for certain high-risk groups 1
- Prevention through HPV vaccination (recommended for males up to age 26) and safe sex practices remains the most effective approach for men regarding HPV 1
- Men who have sex with men or are immunocompromised may be at higher risk for HPV-related health problems, and should discuss their risk factors with healthcare providers 1.
From the Research
HPV Testing in Men
- HPV infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide, and the risk persists in males over years 2.
- Currently, the American Center for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend the evaluation of men for HPV, and the existing literature supports this stance 2.
- However, some studies suggest that certain populations, such as men who have sex with men and men who test positive for human immunodeficiency virus, may benefit from HPV screening 3.
- There are various methods for HPV detection, but no HPV test for men has been approved by the FDA, and none have been approved for detection of the virus in areas other than the cervix 2.
Screening and Prevention
- Screening for HPV infection is effective in identifying precancerous lesions and allows for interventions that can prevent the development of cancer 4.
- Vaccination is the primary method of prevention, and the nonavalent HPV vaccine is effective in preventing the development of high-grade precancerous cervical lesions in noninfected patients 4.
- The use of condoms and dental dams may decrease the spread of the virus, and vaccination is ideally administered at 11 or 12 years of age, irrespective of the patient's sex 4.
- HPV vaccines are safe and highly effective if administered before exposure to HPV, and they can prevent HPV infection, precancerous lesions of the anogenital tract, and genital warts 5.
Diagnosis and Treatment
- There is no cure for HPV, but vaccines are available to prevent infection by the most common HPV viruses 6.
- Most people will clear HPV spontaneously, but those who do not are at high risk for developing malignancy 6.
- Treatment mainstays are destruction and excision of the lesions, and organized vaccination programs are necessary to increase vaccination uptake rates 5, 6.