How to test for HPV infection in men

HPV testing is generally for women, but not just for women. Men also need to do HPV testing in some cases. So do we know everything about HPV testing for men? What does HPV testing for men do? Does HPV infection in men have a big impact on men's health? We don't know much about HPV infection in men. Generally, men are not very easy to be infected, but it does not rule out the possibility of couples being infected with each other. So how should HPV infection in men be treated? We need to know.

HPV test for men

According to a detailed introduction by a gynecologist, there has been no large-scale scientific research on HPV infection in men at this stage. Reference literature shows that for women with HPV infection, the HPV-positive rate that can be detected among their immediate family members is only 16%.

This is because, first of all, HPV is more suitable for existing in a humid environment, and the area around the male genitals is not as humid as the female genitals, which is not suitable for the growth and development of HPV virus. Therefore, even if there is HPV infection, the amount of virus infection is relatively small;

Secondly, because sampling around the male reproductive organs, such as the coronal sulcus and urethral opening, is difficult, only a small number of samples can be obtained. If the precise measurement method is not flexible enough, the virus may not be detected.

However, in clinical medicine, we often see hygroma around the anus and glans penis of men. Several men who have sexual partners have direct relatives who are infected with HPV at the same time or successively, indicating that men may be carriers, and HPV infection in men is still relatively common.

Should men take HPV test?

It is difficult to collect samples from the male reproductive tract for HPV testing. Because the area around the male reproductive organs is dry, the sample size is small and misdiagnosis is easy. Therefore, the positive rate of HPV testing in men is relatively low. However, if there are conditions, it is still appropriate for the immediate family members of HPV-infected women to be tested for HPV. However, at this stage, clinical testing for HPV infection in men is not widespread enough.

In fact, men should also take HPV tests so that they can better treat women who are positive for HPV infection. It is worth mentioning that we also need to understand the details of HPV infection so that we can help women better treat HPV infection.

How do men get infected with HPV and what are the main symptoms?

Similar to women, men can also be infected with HPV through close skin and mucous membrane contact, mainly through sexual intercourse (inside the vagina or anus). Simple contact in daily life, such as waving hands, will not cause infection.

Low-risk HPV virus causes genital warts, which usually occur at the anus, male genitals, scrotum, groin or thigh. Condyloma acuminatum can be cured. High-risk HPV infection may cause penile cancer or anal cancer in men (common in gay, bisexual or HIV-positive men), but it is very rare.