Much of the information about HPV virus (human
papillomavirus) centers on women, since having the virus increases their risk of
getting cervical cancer. But HPV virus in men can cause health problems, too. So
it's important for men to understand how to reduce the risks of HPV infection.
It can increase a man's risk of getting genital cancers, although these
cancers are not common. HPV can also cause
genital warts in men, just as in
women.
More than half of men who are sexually active in the United States will have
HPV at some time in their life. Often, a man will clear the virus on his own,
with no health problems.
Risks of HPV Virus in Men
Some of the 30 or so types of HPV associated with
genital cancers can lead to cancer of the anus or
penis in men. Both of these
cancer types are rare. In those with a healthy immune system, they are even
rarer. About 1,530 men in the U.S. were diagnosed with cancer of the penis in
2006, according to American Cancer Society estimates. About 1,910 men got a
diagnosis of anal cancer.
The risk of anal cancer is about 17 times higher in sexually active gay and
bisexual men than in men who have sex only with women. Men who have HIV (human
immunodeficiency virus) are also at higher risk of getting this cancer.
Other types of HPV virus rarely cause cancer in men, but they do cause
genital warts. At a given point in time, about 1% of sexually active men in the
U.S. will have genital warts.
Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs,
are infections that are transmitted during any type of sexual exposure,
including intercourse (vaginal or anal), oral sex, and the sharing of sexual
devices, such as vibrators. Women can contract all of the STDs, but may have no symptoms, or have different symptoms than men do.
The term oral cancer includes cancer of the mouth (oral cavity) and the back of the mouth (oropharynx). Red and white patches inside the mouth, bleeding, loose teeth, pain upon swallowing, a lump in the neck, earache, and a sore on your lip or in your mouth that won't heal are all symptoms of oral cancer. Treatment for oral cancer depends upon the staging of the disease and usually involves surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the U.S. HPV is primarily transmitted by sexual contact. While some people develop warts in the genital region after infection, others experience no symptoms. Though genital warts can be removed, there is no cure for HPV infection. There is a vaccine to prevent infection from four common HPV types.
Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are infections that are transmitted during any
type of sexual exposure, including intercourse (vaginal or anal), oral sex, and
the sharing of sexual devices, such as vibrators. Although treatment exists for many STDs, others currently are
usually incurable, such as those caused by HIV, HPV, hepatitis B and C, and HHV-8.
Anal cancer, cancer located at the end of the large intestine, has symptoms that include anal or rectal bleeding, anal pain or pressure, anal discharge or itching, a change in bowel movements, and/or a lump in the anal region. Treatment for anal cancer may involve radiation, chemotherapy, or surgery and depends upon the stage of the cancer, its location, whether cancer is eradicated after the first treatment, and whether the patient has HIV.
Sexual health information including birth control, impotence, herpes, sexually transmitted diseases, staying healthy, women's sexual health concerns, and men's sexual health concerns. Learn about the most common sexual conditions affecting men and women.
What are STDs and how can their spread be prevented?
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that
are transmitted during any type of sexual exposure, including intercourse
(vaginal or anal), oral sex, and the sharing of sexual devices, such as
vibrators. In the professional medical arena, STDs are referred to as STIs
(sexually transmitted infections). This terminology is used because many
infections are frequently temporary. Some STDs are infections that are
transmitted by persistent and close skin-to-skin contact, including during
sexual intimacy. Although treatment exists for many STDs, others currently are
usually incurable, such as HIV, HPV, hepatitis B and C, and HHV-8.
Furthermore, many infections can be present in, and be spread by, patients who
do not have symptoms.
The most effective way to prevent the spread of STDs is abstinence.
Alternatively, the diligent use of latex barriers, such as condoms, during
vaginal or anal...
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