How does hpv affect men

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: HPV affects men primarily through genital warts and increased cancer risks. Approximately 40% of men have genital HPV infections at any given time, with over 80% acquiring it during their lifetime. HPV causes about 63% of penile cancers, 91% of anal cancers, and 72% of oropharyngeal cancers in men. The CDC recommends HPV vaccination for males through age 26, ideally before age 13.

Key Facts

HPV causes genital warts in men, with about 1% of sexually active men having visible warts at any time
HPV is responsible for approximately 63% of penile cancers, with about 2,000 cases diagnosed annually in the U.S.
Men who have sex with men have 17 times higher risk of anal cancer from HPV compared to heterosexual men
HPV vaccination was approved for males by the FDA in 2009 and recommended by the CDC in 2011
About 40% of men have genital HPV infections at any given time, with high-risk types present in 25%

Overview

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection globally, with over 200 identified types affecting both men and women. While cervical cancer prevention in women has been the primary focus since HPV's discovery in the 1970s, recognition of HPV's impact on men has grown significantly since the 2000s. The virus was first linked to genital warts in the 1980s, and its connection to cancers in men became clearer in the 1990s through epidemiological studies. In 2009, the FDA approved the HPV vaccine for males aged 9-26, expanding prevention efforts beyond females. Today, HPV affects millions of men worldwide, with transmission occurring through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. The virus often clears naturally within 1-2 years, but persistent infections can lead to serious health consequences.

How It Works

HPV infects men through microscopic tears in the skin or mucous membranes during sexual contact, entering basal epithelial cells where it replicates. The virus has two main categories: low-risk types (mainly HPV-6 and HPV-11) cause genital warts by promoting excessive cell growth, while high-risk types (particularly HPV-16 and HPV-18) integrate into host DNA and produce oncoproteins E6 and E7 that disable tumor suppressor proteins p53 and pRB. This disruption allows uncontrolled cell division that can lead to cancer over 10-30 years. In men, HPV primarily affects the penis, anus, and oropharynx (back of throat), with infection often being asymptomatic. The immune system typically clears 90% of infections within 2 years, but smoking, HIV infection, or other immunocompromising conditions increase persistence risk. Transmission occurs even with condom use since the virus can infect areas not covered by protection.

Why It Matters

HPV's impact on men matters because it causes significant morbidity and mortality that often goes unrecognized. Annually in the U.S., HPV causes approximately 13,500 cancers in men, including 9,000 oropharyngeal cancers with rising incidence since 2000. Men who have sex with men face particularly high risks, with anal cancer rates comparable to cervical cancer rates in women before screening. The economic burden is substantial, with HPV-related conditions in men costing healthcare systems billions globally. Prevention through vaccination offers 88-98% protection against targeted HPV types, yet male vaccination rates lag behind females in many countries. Awareness matters because early detection of warts or cancer symptoms can improve outcomes, and understanding transmission helps reduce spread to partners.