Most of the information and clinical data about HPV is aimed predominantly at women, since the presence of this particular virus can significantly increase the chances of developing cervical cancer. Therefore, keeping this infection under control by actively boosting the immune system is a must for every woman out there. Men, on the other hand, are often left out of the conversation entirely.
However, HPV can be transmitted to and from anyone regardless of gender. This means men can get it as well, let alone the possibility of transmitting it to their partners. Therefore, it’s just as important to understand the risks of having HPV, whether for their own health or their partners’. You and your partner both should consider this as a shared responsibility for better sexual health.
With this thought in mind, can guys get tested for HPV? Here’s everything you need to know.
- Dangers of HPV in Men
HPV is more dangerous for women, but that doesn’t mean that men should overlook it. In men, it’s usually associated with specific types of cancer, such as anus or penile cancer. However, these severe cases are quite rare, especially in individuals with a strong immune system.
Whether for men or women, maintaining a strong immune system is a must for everyone. Supplements like HPD Rx ONE immune support can keep you strong. After all, there’s no such thing as a treatment for HPV. It’s usually cleared by working on the immune system, which fights it off.
There are, however, treatments and solutions for the issues it may cause, such as genital warts.
- Can Guys Get Tested for HPV?
There are no routine screening tests approved by health agencies for testing HPV in men. There are such tests made specifically for women though, since they’re exposed to far more risks than men. Men thinking of using tests for women are less likely to get any accuracy in the results anyway.
However, there are some specialized tests that can detect HPV in males. They’re not very common, so chances are you’ll have to go private. Besides, they’re mostly used when the above-mentioned types of cancers occur, yet such cases are extremely rare.
Furthermore, these tests aren’t standard. When it comes to getting a diagnosis, most doctors will focus on spotting specific symptoms, such as genital warts or lesions associated with the HPV infection. If the infection doesn’t have any visible symptoms, it’s almost impossible to detect during a standard checkup.
- Why Is Testing Not Recommended?
So, can guys get tested for HPV? Yes and no. Tests can be done visually. The diagnosis is based on symptoms. If there are no symptoms, there’s no diagnosis either.
The lack of testing in men is due to the fact that 90% of all HPV infections are cleared by the immune system. Whether it happens in six months or in two years, the immune system is usually strong enough to handle these issues.
In men, the percentage is even higher.
Furthermore, HPV doesn’t typically cause any serious health problems in men. Even if a man is infected and has visible symptoms too, there are reliable treatments for these signs. Therefore, routine testing isn’t a top recommendation in the medical field at this time.
- Symptoms of HPV in Men
There are more than one hundred strains of HPV out there. Some of them are considered harmless. Others can pose high risks. The ones with high risks may lead to cancer, but these cases are very rare. Besides, they can’t be detected because they don’t usually have any symptoms, whether in men or women. Because of this nature, the virus spreads so easily without people realizing they have it.
Genital warts are the most common sign of detectable HPV. While visible and uncomfortable, this sign is associated with HPV strains with relatively low risks. They can cause genital warts, indeed, but they’re less likely to lead to cancer or other serious issues.
- Treatments for HPV Infections in Men
The HPV infection in men can’t be treated directly, whether it comes with symptoms or not. For example, if it comes with symptoms, doctors will usually try to treat the health problems associated with these symptoms, such as genital warts. If there are no symptoms, there’s no treatment at all necessary.
Instead, most patients should focus on strengthening their immune systems. The infection is fought off by the immune system, so healthy lifestyle habits and supplements are usually more than enough.
When symptoms like genital warts appear, the treatment is short and straightforward. They’re usually cleared with prescription creams, which can be applied at home. If the warts are large and too uncomfortable, they can be removed surgically by a professional. They can also be frozen off by a specialist doctor using liquid nitrogen.
The early treatment of genital warts is also discouraged by some specialists. After all, warts will also disappear on their own. Besides, warts usually show up gradually. Therefore, someone who gets a treatment may need to repeat it later on, as more warts could appear.
In the end, can guys get tested for HPV? Normally, there are no such tests, yet those who suspect an infection can look for signs and symptoms associated with it. While in theory it could lead to harsh medical issues, such situations are extremely rare.