Signs & Symptoms of HPV in Males
The human papillomavirus is one of the most common sexually transmitted viruses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 20 million Americans are infected with HPV.
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Definition
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Although most cases of HPV present similar symptoms, there are nearly 100 related, yet different, strains of the human papillomavirus.
Initial Infection
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In many cases, most men with HPV infections go undiagnosed and untreated. This is because in most instances the disease presents no outward symptoms upon initial infection. Therefore a man may have HPV and infect others without knowing it.
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Symptoms
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When men do begin to show symptoms of HPV, these often appear as warts, lesions and/or blisters on the skin. These lesions are most commonly found on and confined to the genital area (penis and inner thigh) or the soft tissues inside the mouth.
HPV Cancer Risk
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In the majority of instances, the lesions and warts from HPV are, and remain, benign. But certain strains of the virus can cause cellular changes within the skin, which may result in the lesions or warts becoming cancerous. Women who contract HPV from an infected man have an increased risk of cervical cancer. According to the Mayo Clinic, 70 percent of cervical cancer cases are a direct result of HPV infection.
Treatment
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The warts caused by HPV are most often treated with drugs. In some instances they may be removed with liquid nitrogen or using lasers. However, as of 2009 there is no cure for HPV. Fortunately, the immune system of otherwise healthy people can often suppress the virus to undetectable levels on its own.
Preventing the Spread of HPV
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In general, the best way to prevent the spread of HPV is to use protection such as a latex condom during sexual encounters or participate in a monogamous relationship with a partner who is known to be HPV-free. However, those with active HPV infections are capable of spreading the disease even when a condom is in use, as the skin surrounding the genital area is still exposed.
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