Can men get tested for HPV?

Currently, there is no widely approved routine screening test for HPV in men, analogous to the Pap smear or HPV test used for cervical screening. Diagnosis usually occurs when a symptom, such as a genital wart or a suspicious lump in the throat or anal region, appears.

Should men get the HPV vaccine?

Yes, absolutely. The HPV vaccine protects men from the types of HPV that cause genital warts, anal cancer, penile cancer, and oropharyngeal (throat) cancer. It also helps prevent the transmission of the virus to sexual partners.

What cancers does HPV cause in men?

In men, persistent infection with high-risk HPV types (especially Type 16) can cause oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (cancer of the back of the throat/tonsils), anal cancer, and penile cancer.

HPV and Men: Closing the Awareness Gap

Why Human Papillomavirus is not just a "women's issue," and the rising threat of HPV-driven head and neck cancers.

For foundational context on HPV transmission and primary prevention, start with our Pillar Guide on HPV Prevention.

Historically, the public health narrative surrounding Human Papillomavirus (HPV) has centered almost entirely on cervical cancer. While addressing cervical cancer remains a global priority, the epidemiological landscape is shifting. HPV is a highly prevalent viral infection that affects all sexes, and its oncogenic impact on men is both significant and rising rapidly in many parts of the world.

1. The Changing Epidemiology: Oropharyngeal Cancer

The most profound shift in HPV-related disease over the last two decades has been the dramatic increase in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC)—cancer of the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils.

The Rise of HPV+ Head and Neck Cancers

In the past, these cancers were primarily associated with heavy tobacco and alcohol use. Today, in high-income countries like the United States, up to 70% of newly diagnosed oropharyngeal cancers are driven by HPV (specifically Type 16). Importantly, men are roughly four times more likely to develop HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer than women.

In fact, the incidence of HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer in men has now surpassed the incidence of cervical cancer in women in the US.

2. Other HPV-Related Risks for Men

Beyond the oropharynx, high-risk HPV types can cause malignant changes in other mucosal tissues:

Anal Cancer: Over 90% of anal cancers are caused by HPV. While rare in the general male population, incidence rates are significantly higher among men who have sex with men (MSM) and individuals living with HIV.
Penile Cancer: A rare malignancy, but approximately half of all penile squamous cell carcinomas are positive for high-risk HPV DNA. Male circumcision provides a strong protective effect against both acquiring the virus and developing penile cancer.
Genital Warts: Low-risk HPV types (6 and 11) cause anogenital warts. While benign, they are highly infectious, can be recurrent, and often cause significant psychological distress.

3. The Screening Dilemma

The greatest challenge in managing HPV in men is the lack of secondary prevention.

Why is there no "Pap smear" for men?

Unlike the cervix, which has a distinct, easily accessible "transformation zone" where precancerous changes predictably occur, the male anatomy presents challenges. There is currently no FDA-approved, routine screening test to detect HPV infections or precancerous changes on the penis or in the oropharynx of asymptomatic men.

For high-risk populations (such as MSM living with HIV), some specialized clinics perform anal Pap smears (anal cytology) to detect early dysplastic changes, followed by High-Resolution Anoscopy (HRA), but this is not standard for the general population.

Because there is no routine screening, diagnosis in men typically only occurs after the virus has caused a physical manifestation—such as a wart or a cancerous tumor.

4. The Imperative of Male Vaccination

With no reliable screening available, primary prevention through vaccination is the most critical intervention for men.

Direct Protection: The Gardasil 9 vaccine provides direct, robust protection against the types of HPV responsible for oropharyngeal, anal, and penile cancers, as well as genital warts. Efficacy is highest when administered before sexual debut.
Herd Immunity: Because HPV is sexually transmitted, vaccinating males reduces the overall viral reservoir in the population. This confers indirect protection to unvaccinated females, significantly reducing the incidence of cervical cancer globally.

5. Partner Communication

Because HPV is ubiquitous, a diagnosis in one partner often leads to anxiety and blame. It is vital to understand the science:

Latency: HPV can remain latent (dormant) in the body for years or even decades before causing symptoms or an abnormal test result. An abnormal Pap smear in a long-term monogamous relationship does not imply recent infidelity.
Transmission: Condoms reduce, but do not eliminate, the risk of transmission, as the virus can infect areas not covered by the condom (e.g., the base of the penis, scrotum, or vulva).
Clearance: Men generally clear HPV infections more rapidly than women, though natural infection does not reliably produce strong protective antibodies against future infections, making the vaccine important even after exposure.