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Symptoms of HPV in a Male

The human papilloma virus (HPV) is a virus that attacks mucus membranes in humans. Papilloma is a biological term that describes a variety of growths, such as warts and lesions. HPV most often found in the anal and penile regions of the male body. It affects the soft tissue and mucosal membranes that are found in these areas. The most common cause of the contraction of HPV is skin-to-skin contact. HPV is often undetected until physical symptoms are present.

  1. Itching and Irritation

    • HPV attacks the tissue and membranes of the new host body. The virus inserts itself into these elements, and a cycle of infection begins. The virus mutates to form new viral offshoots that infect other cells in the body. Once HPV begins to infect the epidermal areas, it causes tissues and membranes to form lesions. According to author Dr. Arthur Schoenstadt, these lesions become inflamed and irritated as a result of the viral infection, causing itching in the infected areas.

    Bleeding

    • The presence of lesions and irritations caused by HPV will often present as abrasions of the skin and mucus membranes. These abrasions will be disturbed by contact and, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), will often bleed as a result when the tissue that covers the abrasion is removed. This is an especially apparent symptom in those cases where HPV is present in the genital areas. This opening of the abrasions caused by HPV will provide a further spreading of the virus through transmission and dispersal of the blood that carries the virus.

    Genital Warts

    • Genital warts are one of the most common symptoms of HPV in a male. According to the CDC, HPV presents itself as bumps or groups of bumps in the genital area. They can occur on the penis and the scrotum, but may also appear around the anal areas of a male. Genital warts that are caused by HPV can also appear in the general groin area, sometimes growing in the thigh regions. Their appearance may occur within a few weeks after sexual contact, or may take months to appear. In some cases, genital warts may never appear, although the HPV can be present in the body.

    Cancer

    • According to the American Cancer Society, the incidence of cancerous cell growth as a result of HPV infection can be caused by viral growth that affects deep tissue and mucosal membranes. This condition may go undetected or untreated in some cases, giving it the opportunity to worsen. Cancer most often occurs in the anal areas of men. The symptoms of anal cancer due to HPV infection will present as bleeding from the anus, abnormal discharge from the anus, pain and/or constant pressure in the anal area and lesions or sores in the area that do not show indications of healing.

    Prevention of HPV in a Male

    • Early detection is considered to be the most effective means of preventing and spreading HPV in men. The appearance of lesions, warts or unusual growths around the genital or anal areas should be considered a possible symptom of HPV. A consultation and examination by a qualified medical professional should be sought to determine the severity of viral infection.

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