HPV in Men
Human papilloma virus is also called HPV and this virus, which is a sexually transmitted disease, is often carried in the skin of a male’s genital area. HPV in men is a very common condition and at least 50% of all sexually active men will contract genital HPV at some time in their lives. Although many men will never even know that they have HPV if no symptoms appear, they can still pass on this infection to their sexual partners (male or female) through skin to skin contact and sexual intercourse. The HPV virus in men will in some cases go on to cause genital warts and these can appear on the tip or shaft of the penis, on the scrotum, the thigh, the groin or in or around the anal area. While very rare, the human papilloma virus in men can even cause genital warts to grow in the mouth or throat following oral sex with an infected partner.
How can HPV in men be diagnosed and treated?
The bad news is that there is no test to determine the existence of the HPV virus in men and there is no cure for the HPV virus itself. However, the good news is that should you go on to develop genital warts, then the disease can be diagnosed and it can be treated successfully.
It goes without saying that most men who suspect that they have the papilloma virus and who fear that they have genital warts too, will be very concerned about their situation. Although, the human papilloma virus in men does not actually cause any serious health problems, there is the constant fear of passing on the virus to others and the worry that any genital warts will grow and multiply.
If you find yourself in this situation, it is best to go to your doctor or to a clinic for a definite diagnosis as soon as possible. Many health care providers will be able to say just be examining you whether or not you have genital warts and therefore the HPV virus. But if any warts are very small and difficult to see or access, your doctor can apply a solution of diluted vinegar to the suspect area. This will turn any genital warts white so they immediately become visible.
If the diagnosis of HPV is positive, your health care provider will be able to advise you on the many different treatment options open to you. You can also go on to the internet to do your own research so that together you can decide on the best method for you. The more informed you are the better for your health sake. As some men who have a very strong immune system are able to resist the HPV virus, it can only be to your advantage to make the decision to change your lifestyle to a more healthy and active one. So think “plenty of exercise, sensible rest and sleeping habits, a healthy, balanced and nutritious diet, a low alcoholic intake, a no smoking habit, the reduction of any stress and practicing safe sex with just one sexual partner”.
The treatment options for HPV in men
If your HPV virus develops into genital warts, there are genital warts treatments that can be applied directly to your skin:
Imiquimod cream boosts the immune system’s ability to fight genital warts.
Podofilox works by destroying genital wart tissue – caution is needed to prevent this medication from irritating the surrounding skin.
Both of these treatments will need a doctor’s prescription.
A qualified health care provider can also administer treatment such as:
Surgery which may be necessary to remove larger warts or those that don’t respond to medications. Special tools are used to cut off warts and a local anesthetic is necessary.
Freezing with liquid nitrogen which is called cryotherapy. This works by causing a blister to form around your wart. As your skin heals, the lesions fall off, allowing new skin to appear.
Electrocautery where an electrical current is used to burn off the warts.
Laser treatment which uses an intense beam of light. This can be quite an expensive treatment.
Don’t be tempted to try an over the counter medication for genital warts – it is too risky – and such products can cause even more pain and irritation.
However, you can use a natural healing product made of pure essential oils which is specially formulated to use on genital warts providing a safe and gentle remedy. This works by drawing the warts out of the skin so that they flake away. There is no skin irritation and no scarring. Such a product is available on the internet.
So although the human papilloma virus in men will remain in your skin, however dormant, any genital warts that appear can be eliminated. It may take some time and patience on your part but it will be well worth your while.
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