How to Treat HPV for Men

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a phrase for over 100 viruses that cause various types of abnormal growths on the body. The most publicized form of HPV concerns a group of about 30 viruses that are transmitted sexually and affect the reproductive organs of men and women. Most people with HPV have no symptoms, but others have resulting warts and lesions that may or may not develop into cancer. Currently there is no diagnostic tool for finding HPV in men, meaning that it must be treated on a symptom-by-symptom basis. Approximately 50 percent of American men will develop an HPV infection at some point in their lives.

Instructions

• 1

  Visit your doctor if you have any changes in the skin on or around your genital area, including your anus.

• 2

  Use topical treatments as advised or prescribed by your doctor for warts. As for warts in non-genital areas of your body, you may be able to use over-the-counter topical wart treatments. These generally involve rubbing a special cream on the area and covering it for a period of days until the wart falls off. Your doctor can prescribe a similar treatment (such as Condylox) for your genital area.

• 3

  Consider other alternative for wart removal. These include burning, freezing, or surgically removing the warts, all of which should be done by a doctor.

• 4

  Monitor the warts if recommended by your doctor. Some doctors only advise removing warts (genital or non-genital) if they are causing discomfort, pain or embarrassment. If they don't bother you and aren't growing or multiplying, you may opt for just keeping an eye on them.

• 5

  Consult with your doctor about how to treat penile or anal cancer, should you develop either of those. Luckily, these are a very rare complication of HPV. Treatment usually consists of radiation, chemotherapy or a combination of both. Symptoms to look for are skin changes in the area of the penis and anus, as well as bleeding, discharge, swelling and changes in bowel habits.