August 16th, 2013
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most commonly contracted STD which usually results in genital and anal warts and we keep getting more reports of HPV in men. Some strains of the human papillomavirus may also lead to cancer, with cervical cancer being the most commonly observed type. Just recently, and especially after an article published in England’s The Guardian, mouth and throat cancer caused by human papillomavirus has gotten into the spot light. According to a study published in The Lancet, single male smokers seem to be at greater risk of contracting the disease resulting in cancer.
While infections with HPV in men usually clear up in 1 year, persistent infections are those that are worrisome and lead to cancer. Many “dangerous” HPV in men, particularly HPV-16 and HPV-18, seem to be more frequently the cause of cancer induced by persistent human papillomavirus infections. Another study conducted at the John Hopkins Oncology Center showed that HPV-16 was found in 90% of cell samples taken from head and neck cancers which were positive for human papillomavirus tissue.
Long lasting, monogamous relations with a steady partner with no known infection is still the most effective way to prevent HPV in men.