Tests for HPV Infection in Men
Warts are the most common physical manifestation of HPV. This is why HPV infection in men can easily be diagnosed by checking the genital area to see if warts are present. Your healthcare provider may apply a vinegar solution to help identify warts that are too small to be seen by the eyes. The test is not 100% accurate, because in some cases, normal skin can be mistaken for a wart.
There is no particular test for men to identify high-risk HPV strains that can cause cancer. Doctors advise gay and bisexual men to get anal Pap tests [6], because they are at a higher risk of anal cancer caused by HPV. Anal Pap tests involve the collection of cells from the anus to check for any abnormalities.
The most effective way to prevent transmission of human Papillomavirus is abstinence. The risk of getting infected will be reduced if you have sex with only one person who is not infected and who is also monogamous. Doctors advise men to reduce their number of sex partners to reduce the risk of getting the infection. It would help to only pick partners who have had few or no partners in the past. Condoms also offer protection against the virus. However, they do not offer 100% safety since HPV is spread majorly by skin to skin contact. The virus can still affect the skin not covered by the condom. Studies show that men who use condoms anytime they have sex are 70% less likely to get an HPV infection.