References UK clinical guidance from the NHS, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). Last updated: April 2026.
Most men with HPV have no symptoms and never know they’ve had it. There is no routine HPV test for men — unlike cervical screening for women, there is no equivalent screening programme for men. For most men, HPV only becomes apparent if it causes genital warts or, much more rarely, cancer. Understanding this helps explain why vaccination is so important.
Here’s what to know.
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Why HPV Is Usually Silent in Men
- Most HPV infections cause no symptoms
- The immune system usually clears the virus within 1-2 years
- There is no routine HPV test for men in the UK
- Most men never know they’ve had it
When HPV Does Cause Symptoms
| Condition | Caused By | Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Genital warts | HPV types 6 and 11 | Small flesh-coloured growths on penis, scrotum, anus |
| Anal cancer | High-risk HPV types (especially 16) | Bleeding, lumps, pain |
| Penile cancer | High-risk HPV types (rare) | Changes on the penis, ulcers, discharge |
| Throat cancer | HPV 16 from oral sex | Persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, neck lump |
Testing for HPV in Men
There is no standard HPV test for men in the UK. Some clinics offer anal smear screening for men at higher risk (MSM with HIV), but this isn’t routine. If you have visible warts, a clinician can diagnose them by appearance alone.
When to Seek Help
- Any new growth on the penis, scrotum, groin or around the anus
- Changes in existing growths
- Bleeding, discharge or pain in the genital area
- Persistent sore throat or neck lump — particularly if you have oral sex
- Unusual bowel symptoms if you have receptive anal sex
Treatment of Genital Warts
- Topical creams (podophyllotoxin, imiquimod)
- Cryotherapy (freezing)
- Surgical removal
- Laser treatment for difficult cases
Warts often return after treatment. Most eventually resolve as the immune system clears the virus, but this can take months or years.
HPV Vaccination for Men
The HPV vaccine is now offered to boys as well as girls in UK schools. Men who have sex with men (MSM) up to age 45 can get the vaccine free on the NHS through sexual health clinics. The vaccine protects against the HPV types that cause most genital warts and HPV-related cancers.
Why Men Should Care
- HPV-related throat cancer is rising in men, often linked to oral sex
- Anal cancer is more common in MSM, especially those with HIV
- Men carry and transmit HPV to partners
- Vaccination protects both you and your partners
Read more: What is HPV? | Can HPV clear? | Anal cancer and HIV
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I test for HPV at home?
There is no reliable home HPV test for men. Genital warts can be diagnosed visually, but silent HPV infection is not routinely screened for.
Should I get the HPV vaccine as an adult?
MSM up to age 45 are eligible on the NHS. Other adult men may benefit and can sometimes access it privately.
Can HPV affect my fertility?
HPV itself does not affect male fertility in most cases. Treatment for HPV-related conditions doesn’t usually affect fertility either.
Related reading
- Can You Clear HPV Once You Have It?
- How to Prevent HPV
- What Is Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?
- Are Genital Warts Clearable?
- Blood Test for Syphilis, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
Sources
- NHS — Sexual health conditions
- BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
- British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
- Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
- UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data
Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.
