HPV in Men: Risks, Transmission, and Why Vaccination Matters

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is often discussed in relation to women’s health, especially cervical cancer. However, HPV in men is also very common and can cause serious health problems. Many men do not realise they can carry the virus, pass it to partners, and develop HPV-related diseases themselves.

For Nigerian men aged 25–45 and their partners, understanding HPV is an important step toward protecting long-term health. The good news is that HPV infection is preventable, and vaccination plays a major role.

What Is HPV? 

HPV stands for Human Papillomavirus, a group of more than 200 related viruses. It is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide.

Some HPV types cause harmless infections that clear on their own. Others, known as high-risk types, can lead to certain cancers. Because HPV infections often cause no symptoms, many people do not realise they have the virus.

This is why awareness of HPV in men is important for both individuals and their partners.

Why HPV in Men Is Often Overlooked

HPV is commonly linked to cervical cancer in women, which has led many people to believe that HPV mainly affects women. In reality, men can also become infected and experience health complications.

In many cases, HPV infection in men does not produce obvious symptoms. This means a man may carry the virus for months or even years without knowing it.

During that time, the virus can still be passed on to sexual partners.

Understanding that HPV affects both men and women helps reduce stigma and encourages shared responsibility for prevention.

How HPV Spreads

HPV spreads mainly through skin-to-skin sexual contact. This means the virus can be transmitted even when there are no visible signs of infection.

Common ways HPV spreads include:

• Vaginal sex

• Anal sex

• Oral sex

• Close genital skin contact

Because HPV is transmitted through skin contact, condoms reduce the risk but do not provide complete protection. Areas of skin not covered by a condom may still carry the virus.

This makes vaccination and awareness even more important.

Health Risks of HPV in Men

Many HPV infections clear naturally without causing health problems. However, some types can lead to disease.

Genital Warts

Certain HPV types can cause genital warts, which may appear around the penis, scrotum, groin, or anus. While they are usually not dangerous, they can cause discomfort and emotional stress.

HPV-Related Cancers

Some high-risk HPV types are linked to cancers in men, including:

• Penile cancer

• Anal cancer

• Oropharyngeal cancer (cancers of the throat and tonsils)

These cancers are less common but highlight why prevention is important.

Risk Factors That Increase HPV Exposure

Anyone who is sexually active can be exposed to HPV. However, certain factors may increase the risk of infection.

Common risk factors include:

• Having multiple sexual partners

• Early sexual activity

• Smoking

• A weakened immune system

• Inconsistent condom use

Even people with few partners can still encounter HPV, which is why education and vaccination are recommended.

Why HPV Vaccination Matters

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent HPV-related disease.

HPV vaccines protect against several high-risk virus types responsible for genital warts and many HPV-related cancers. By preventing infection, vaccination reduces the chance of developing these conditions later in life.

Vaccination is most effective before exposure to HPV, but adults can still benefit from it.

Another important benefit is that vaccination helps protect partners and communities by reducing the spread of the virus.

Where to Get Help

If you want to learn more about HPV prevention or vaccination, speaking with a qualified healthcare provider is the best place to start.

You can book a consultation or HPV vaccination at Inocul8 Clinic here

Professional advice can help you understand your options and take proactive steps toward protecting your health.

References

Lieblong, B.J. et al. (2019) ‘Natural history of human papillomavirus and vaccinations in men: A literature review’, Health Science Reports, 2(10).

Lipsky, M.S. et al. (2025) ‘HPV prevention in men: A narrative review of strategies, risks and public health implications’, Journal of Infection and Public Health.

Palefsky, J.M. (2013) ‘HPV infection in men’, Disease Markers, 35(6), pp. 581–588.

Bruni, L. et al. (2018) ‘Global epidemiology of human papillomavirus infection and related diseases’, BMC Medicine, 16, pp. 1–17.

Nyitray, A.G. et al. (2010) ‘The epidemiology of genital human papillomavirus infection among men’, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 37(3), pp. 145–151.

Cochrane Collaboration (2021) Prophylactic vaccination against human papillomaviruses to prevent cervical cancer and its precursors. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2018) ‘HPV infection in men and prevention strategies’, IJERPH, 15(2210).