Does HPV virus in men require blood draw?

Generally, women need to be tested for HPV, also known as human papillomavirus infection, during routine physical examinations. Currently, it is usually tested with acetic acid and white test, using the anus or secretions as the test targets. It can accurately test and can also distinguish what type it is. Does men need to draw blood for HPV virus testing?

1. How to check HPV? Is it a blood test?

The test is to check the secretions without drawing blood. HPV is human papillomavirus infection. It does not move blood and does not participate in blood circulation. It mainly infects the skin and mucous membranes. The most common way to check HPV at this stage is the acetic acid whitening test. Apply 3-5% acetic acid to the warts for 2-5 minutes. The skin at the diseased site will turn white and slightly raised. The anal lesions may take 15 minutes. The basic principle of this experiment is the result of protein and acid coagulation to whiten the skin. The keratin produced by HPV-infected cells is different from that produced by normal uninfected squamous epithelial cells. Only the former can be faded by acetic acid.

2. Treatment of HPV

(1) Physical therapy: The purpose is to remove tumors and subclinical infections that are visible to the human eye.

Methods include: laser, microwave heating, refrigeration, electrocautery, surgical removal (LEEP knife in gynecology, etc.), photodynamic therapy, etc.

(2) Medication treatment: some common antiviral creams, etc.

(3) Immunotherapy depends on reducing attacks and accelerating elimination of the disease.

(4) Therapeutic vaccines: There is no effective therapeutic vaccine at this stage.

3. How to prevent HPV

1. At present, there are protective quadrivalent vaccines (HPV6, 11, 16, 18) that can prevent infection by these four types of viruses. Since the vast majority of cervical cancers are caused by types 16 and 18, they can reduce the majority of cervical cancers. Some scientific studies have also shown that they have a certain degree of protection against other types.

2. Vaccines are ineffective against people who have already been infected. Circumcision of male foreskin is a key measure to prevent cervical cancer in women, and it is also a key measure to prevent men from contracting various sexually transmitted diseases. In some countries, circumcision of newborns and children is a good way to prevent HPV infection in adults and cervical cancer in immediate family members.

The above is about the testing methods, treatment and prevention methods of HPV. At present, there is a vaccine internationally, so it will not be a problem as long as you get vaccinated. In addition, long foreskin in men can also cause HPV infection, so it is best to have a circumcision surgery. Once infected, timely treatment can still be effective.