Genital wart, or human papilloma virus (HPV),is a viral disease in the genital area and around the anus. HPV is a sexually transmitted disease that affects both women and men. Studies have shown that 60% of all humans have this virus at one stage of their lives.
The prevalence of genital warts in society is 1%, and the symptoms are painless hard cysts. HPV in the body can cause repetitive infection and serious health problems, and it must be treated. The treatment of suspected HPV is important for safe sexual intercourse and to mitigate the prevalence of the virus.
What is HPV (Genital Wart)?
HPV is a virus type that infects the genital area and mucosa and causes genital warts called condyloma acuminatum. HPV has more than 200 types and can cause 40 types of warts. The most common types of genital warts are HPV 6 and HPV 11. This virus infects the cells through skin-to-skin contact, and there might not be any symptoms at the incubation stage. After a while, a genital wart that looks like acne or a mole will start to form.
The genital wart will appear as the immune system weakens, and there might also be mucosa lesions. HPV is a sexually transmitted disease, and it rarely causes warts in the throat with oral sex. It can also show symptoms such as irritation and bleeding during sexual intercourse. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the world. Treatment is easy if genital warts are diagnosed early. Warts caused by HPV can be treated with gel, ablation, or surgical methods.
How is HPV Transmitted?
HPV is a sexually transmitted disease. The virus can transmit to all regions, such as the vagina, anus, or any genital region in the absence of a condom during intercourse. HPV due to oral sex is rarely seen, and the virus might remain in the body for years without showing any symptoms. The immune systems of most people suppress HPV, and people with weak immune systems can have genital warts and lesions.
Due to a lack of visible symptoms, individuals with HPV easily transmit it to others. However, it is not possible to identify who transmitted the virus and when. Kissing, using a common towel, sharing a bathroom, and sharing utensils do not cause genital wart transmission. The disease is transmitted by contacting the genital region.
The factors that increase HPV transmission and disease risk for men are as follows:
- Early sexual intercourse age,
- Multiple partners,
- Unprotected sexual intercourse,
- Homosexual intercourse,
- Not being circumcised,
- Weak immune system.
What are the HPV Symptoms in Men?
HPV in men often does not cause any symptoms. The incubation period for HPV can vary between 2 months and 6 years. In this period, most men do not show any symptoms depending on the HPV type. However, HPV that cannot be suppressed by the immune system will start to show symptoms.
HPV symptoms in men can be as follows:
- Warts around the penis, anus, scrotum, head, mouth, and throat,
- Bleeding, pain, and itching around the anus,
- Color change in the penis,
- Swollen lymph nodes around the anus,
- Scars and tissue growth on the penis,
- Burning sensation around the mouth and ears,
- Persistent cough,
- Weight loss,
- Hoarser voice.
Of the 200 types of HPV, some are dangerous. The HPV type that causes cervical cancer in women can cause penis cancer, rectum cancer, and throat cancer in men. Therefore, protection during sexual intercourse is important. However, it is important to remember that condoms alone might not be sufficient. Men who notice color change around their genital areas must immediately see a doctor and start treatment for their health and their partner’s health.
How is the HPV Test Applied in Men?
HPV can be identified with the Pap smear test in women, but this method is not reliable for men. The outer surface of the male sexual organ is covered with keratinized squamous epithelium. Therefore, subcutaneous HPV identification in men might not be as reliable and practical as that in women.
An HPV DNA test can help identify HPV in collected tissue, and this test is used to determine whether men have HPV. Blood tests do not provide clean data about HPV. Personal awareness is important in this process. Anyone suspecting they might have HPV, genital warts, or any other abnormal symptoms around the penis, scrotum, anus, or throat should consult a doctor.
How is a Genital Wart Diagnosed?
Genital warts, also known as condylomas, are brownish blisters on the skin. These warts might look like moles, and they can be formed separately or as a group. Genital warts have a characteristic look, and a specialist can easily diagnose them during a physical examination.
Certain solutions might be used to make warts more visible during examinations. The Pap test for women is not used as a screening test for men. An HPV DNA test is used for genital wart diagnosis in men. The tissue collected from condyloma is tested in the laboratory to find the virus’ DNA. Then, treatment plans are made according to pathological assessment.
HPV Treatment in Men
There is no treatment method for HPV in men. The purpose of HPV treatment is to prevent warts and strengthen the immune system. However, an individual can be an HPV carrier for years. Genital wart treatments are as follows:
- Gel: This will chemically burn the genital wart tissue and destroy the condyloma.
- Electrocauterization: The genital warts are burned with an electric cauther. This procedure is applied under local anesthesia. This is the most effective method.
- Cryotherapy: This method involves freezing the condyloma with liquid nitrogen. This procedure does not require anesthesia.
- Surgical treatment: This procedure is applied under anesthesia, and the genital wart is cleaned with surgical methods. The tissue that causes the warts is completely destroyed.
Sexual Life After HPV Treatment
Genital warts can relapse. Therefore, individuals must keep their immune systems strong and ensure to use protection during intercourse. The main things to consider after HPV treatment are as follows:
- Individuals must avoid unprotected sexual relationships and remember that condoms might not provide 100% protection.
- Individuals must avoid having multiple partners.
- Individuals must have a lifestyle that can support and sustain their immune systems.
- Men should engage in regular HPV DNA testing and check for symptoms.
In addition, the HPV-positive rate among men with infertility problems is calculated to be five times higher than that in fertile men. Also, HPV might cause cancer. Therefore, protected sexual intercourse is strongly recommended, and monogamy can minimize the risk.
However, the HPV vaccine for boys and girls can offer lifelong protection, and parents should be sensitive to this. These vaccinations, which were offered until 12 years old a few years ago, can now be administered until 26 years old worldwide.