What causes hpv in men

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Last updated: April 4, 2026

Quick Answer: HPV in men is primarily caused by direct skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common group of viruses, and most sexually active individuals will contract it at some point in their lives.

Key Facts

HPV is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, most commonly during sexual activity.
There are over 200 types of HPV, with about 40 types spread through sexual contact.
Some HPV types can cause genital warts, while others can lead to various cancers, including anal, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers.
Most HPV infections clear on their own within 1-2 years without causing health problems.
Vaccination against HPV is available for both males and females and is highly effective in preventing infection.

What Causes HPV in Men?

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common group of viruses that can affect both men and women. In men, HPV is transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact, most frequently during sexual activity. This includes vaginal sex, anal sex, and oral sex. It's important to understand that HPV is not transmitted through blood or semen; the virus resides on the skin and mucous membranes.

Understanding HPV Transmission

HPV is highly contagious. The virus enters the body through small cuts or abrasions in the skin or mucous membranes. Because it's spread through skin-to-skin contact, even without penetrative sex, transmission can occur. This means that activities like mutual masturbation can also pose a risk of HPV transmission.

There are over 200 different types of HPV. Of these, about 40 types are specifically associated with the genital area and are spread through sexual contact. These types are broadly categorized into low-risk and high-risk types.

Low-Risk HPV Types

Low-risk HPV types, such as HPV 6 and 11, are primarily responsible for causing genital warts. These warts are typically flesh-colored bumps that can appear on the penis, scrotum, anus, or surrounding skin. While often a cosmetic concern and uncomfortable, genital warts caused by these HPV types are generally not associated with cancer.

High-Risk HPV Types

High-risk HPV types, on the other hand, can cause cellular changes that may lead to cancer over time. While HPV infections often clear on their own, persistent infections with high-risk types can increase the risk of developing several types of cancer in men, including:

Anal cancer: HPV is responsible for the vast majority of anal cancers.
Penile cancer: Although less common than other HPV-related cancers, penile cancer can be caused by persistent HPV infections.
Oropharyngeal cancer: This type of cancer affects the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils. HPV, particularly HPV 16, is a major cause of oropharyngeal cancers, especially in non-smokers.
Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP): In rare cases, HPV can be transmitted from mother to child during childbirth, leading to the development of warts in the throat and airways.

Risk Factors and Prevalence

The primary risk factor for contracting HPV is engaging in sexual activity. The more sexual partners an individual has, the higher the likelihood of exposure to HPV. However, even individuals with only one lifetime partner can contract HPV.

HPV is incredibly common. It is estimated that about 80% of sexually active individuals will contract HPV at some point in their lives. For men, this means that exposure is highly probable.

Symptoms in Men

Many HPV infections in men are asymptomatic, meaning they do not cause any noticeable symptoms. The body's immune system often clears the virus on its own without the individual ever knowing they were infected. However, when symptoms do occur, they can include:

Genital warts: These can appear as small, raised bumps, sometimes with a cauliflower-like appearance, on the penis, scrotum, or anus. They may be flesh-colored, white, pink, or darker than the surrounding skin.
Signs of cancer: In later stages, persistent HPV infections can lead to symptoms associated with the cancers listed above, such as persistent pain, bleeding, or lumps in the affected area.

Prevention and Vaccination

The most effective way to prevent HPV infection in men is through vaccination. The HPV vaccine is recommended for all adolescents and young adults, including boys, typically starting around ages 11-12. The vaccine protects against the most common and high-risk HPV types that cause warts and cancers. Vaccination is most effective when given before exposure to the virus.

Other preventive measures include:

Condom use: While condoms can reduce the risk of HPV transmission, they do not offer complete protection because they do not cover all potentially infected skin areas.
Limiting sexual partners: Reducing the number of sexual partners can decrease the likelihood of exposure.
Open communication: Discussing sexual health with partners can be beneficial.

Regular health check-ups and screenings, particularly for anal cancer in high-risk individuals, are also important for early detection and management.