How do men acquire Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?

From the Guidelines

Men can get HPV (Human Papillomavirus) primarily through sexual contact with someone who has the infection, and the most effective way to prevent HPV infection is through vaccination with the HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9) for men under age 26, as recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) 1. HPV is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal, or oral sex, and the virus can be passed even when the infected person has no signs or symptoms. Men can contract HPV from female or male sexual partners, as the virus can infect the genital areas, mouth, and throat. Using condoms during sexual activity reduces but doesn't eliminate the risk of HPV transmission since the virus can infect areas not covered by condoms. Most HPV infections in men clear on their own within 1-2 years without causing health problems, but some HPV types can cause genital warts or certain cancers, including penile, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers. Some key points to consider include:

• The HPV vaccine is most effective when administered before sexual contact, and it is recommended for 11- through 12-year-old males and females, as well as for young men through age 21 years and young women through age 26 years who have not previously been vaccinated 1.
• Men who are immune suppressed, have HIV infection, or have sex with men should be vaccinated through age 26 years 1.
• Regular check-ups with healthcare providers are important if there are concerns about HPV infection or related symptoms.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends routine vaccination with the HPV vaccine for individuals 11 through 12 years of age, and the vaccine is licensed for use in children beginning at age 9 years 1. It is essential to note that while condoms can reduce the risk of HPV transmission, they are not fully protective, and the only definitive method to avoid giving and getting HPV infection and genital warts is to abstain from sexual activity 1.

From the Research

Transmission of HPV in Men

• HPV can be transmitted to men through various routes, including:
  • Sexual contact with an infected partner, as stated in 2, 3, 4
  • Oral sex, as suggested by 4
  • Anal sex, as mentioned in 2
• The risk of transmission is higher among men who:
  • Have multiple sexual partners, as indicated in 2, 4
  • Engage in oral or anal sex, as stated in 2, 4
  • Have a partner with oral or genital HPV infection, as shown in 4
• Certain factors can increase the risk of HPV transmission, including:
  • Smoking, as mentioned in 4
  • Immunodeficiency, as stated in 3

Prevention and Vaccination

• Vaccination against HPV is highly efficacious in preventing infection and related sequelae, as stated in 3
• The quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine is active against virus subtypes that cause genital warts in men and women, as mentioned in 5
• Male circumcision may be effective in decreasing the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus, human papillomavirus, and herpes simplex virus, as suggested by 5

Diagnosis and Treatment

• Diagnosis of HPV infection is typically clinical, but atypical lesions should be confirmed by histology, as stated in 5, 6
• Treatment options for genital warts include patient-applied treatments, clinician-applied treatments, and surgical treatments, as mentioned in 5, 6