Genital Warts in Men

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A lot of information has been written about genital warts in women because of the attention that HPV received for being a major risk factor for cervical cancer. Men get genital warts too though, and the virus that causes them can also result in risk factors for men as well. This makes it important for men to understand the risks of and how to treat genital warts men.

The human Papilloma virus that causes genital warts in men also increases the risk of genital cancers in men just as it increases the risk of cervical cancer in women. The HPV virus that causes genital warts in men can often occur in men and have no symptoms causing men to pass it on without every realizing it. Because there is no test for the HPV virus doctors often have to wait for men to get genital warts to be able to diagnose the virus.

Signs of genital warts in men include growths on the anus, testicles, penis, thighs or groin that are slightly raised and flat or they may have a cauliflower shape. Doctors can also apply a vinegar type solution that will turn white when applied to warts that may be too small or inconspicuous to detect.
Genital warts in men can be treated in several different ways there are medications that can be applied either at the doctor’s office or even sometimes at home if the genital warts are not too severe yet. Warts can also be frozen or removed surgically at the doctor’s office this is usually the preferred treatment if warts are extensive or persistently reoccur.

Genitals warts will not necessarily go away with treatment, and may often return after they have been removed. This is because the warts are a symptom of HPV not a disease by themselves. HPV has no cure or treatment and only the symptoms such as genital warts can be treated. It is also commonly believed that the warts themselves can cause cancer, which is also not correct, it is the virus that puts people at risk for cancer, in addition to that having the warts removed will not decrease your risk of passing this virus to your partner.

While there is a vaccine that has received a lot of attention recently in the press this vaccine is currently only for girls/women ages 9-26 years of age and only prevents the genital warts and cervical cancer associated with HPV. More studies will be needed to see if men with genital warts and HPV will benefit from the vaccine.

In the mean time your best defense is avoid sexual contact except for in long term relationships and see your doctor if you should develop genital warts.