HPV Testing in Men
No, men cannot and should not be routinely tested for HPV—there is no FDA-approved or clinically validated HPV test for men. 1, 2, 3
Why HPV Testing Is Not Available or Recommended for Men
The CDC explicitly states that no clinically validated test exists for men to determine if they have HPV infection. 1 The key reasons include:
No FDA-approved tests: All FDA-cleared HPV tests are designed exclusively for cervical specimens and have not been validated for penile, anal, or oral specimens in routine screening contexts. 2, 3
Transient infections: Most HPV infections in men clear spontaneously without causing health problems, making screening of limited clinical utility. 3
Shared infection in partnerships: Within ongoing sexual relationships, both partners are typically already infected by the time one person is diagnosed with HPV, even without visible signs. 2 Testing the male partner provides no actionable information for preventing transmission or protecting health. 4
No treatment for asymptomatic infection: Since there is no recognized treatment for HPV infection itself, identifying asymptomatic carriers does not change clinical management. 5
What Men Should Do Instead
Clinical Examination for Visible Disease
The most common manifestation of HPV infection in men is genital warts, which should be diagnosed through visual clinical examination rather than laboratory testing. 1, 3 High-risk HPV types that cause cancer seldom cause visible genital warts. 1
Screening for Other STDs
If genital warts or HPV-related conditions are present in either partner, both individuals should be screened for other sexually transmitted infections. 3
HPV Vaccination
All males aged 9-21 years should receive HPV vaccination (this is a strong recommendation based on high-quality evidence). 1, 3 Males aged 22-26 years should also be vaccinated if not previously vaccinated. 1, 3 The quadrivalent HPV vaccine prevents infection with HPV types responsible for genital warts and approximately 70% of cervical and anal cancers. 1
Special Populations Where Screening May Be Considered
HIV-Positive Men and Men Who Have Sex With Men (MSM)
Anal cytology (anal Pap tests) should be considered for:
- HIV-infected men 1, 6
- MSM, particularly those who are HIV-positive 6
- Women with a history of receptive anal intercourse 1
- All HIV-infected persons with genital warts 1
Critical caveat: Anal cytology should only be performed in settings where high-resolution anoscopy follow-up is available for abnormal results. 3, 6 If abnormal findings are detected, high-resolution anoscopy with biopsy and appropriate therapy based on results should be performed. 1
Testing in Specific Clinical Scenarios
While routine screening is not recommended, men could consider testing for oncogenic HPV strains (such as HPV16 or HPV18) when their female partner tests positive for HPV, though this is not a standard guideline recommendation. 5
Important Counseling Points for Patients
Reassurance About Transmission and Fidelity
- Detection of high-risk HPV in a woman does not mean that either partner is engaging in sexual activity outside the relationship. 1
- HPV infection can be present for many years before detection, and no method can accurately confirm when infection was acquired. 1
- Most sexually active persons get HPV at some time in their lives, though most will never know it. 1
Risk Reduction Strategies
- Condom use: Consistent condom use by male partners can reduce the risk for HPV infection and may decrease the time required to clear HPV in infected women. 1, 3 However, skin not covered by a condom remains vulnerable to HPV infection. 1, 3
- Male circumcision and smoking cessation may play roles in preventing HPV infection within heterosexual couples. 5
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Do not order HPV testing for low-risk types (HPV 6 and 11): Testing for non-oncogenic HPV types provides no clinical benefit and should be avoided. 2
Do not use HPV testing to decide about vaccination: HPV testing should not be used to determine whether to vaccinate against HPV. 2
Do not recommend partner notification for clinical evaluation: Most providers inappropriately advise patients with abnormal Pap tests or positive HPV results to refer male partners for clinical evaluation (48-73% across specialties), despite lack of evidence supporting this practice. 4 Partner notification has a limited role in controlling HPV transmission or preventing adverse health outcomes in male partners. 4