HPV in Men: Symptoms, Testing Options & What's Actually Available in the UK

HPV in Men: Symptoms, Testing Options & What's Actually Available in the UK

HPV in men is far more common than most people realise. The human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections worldwide, and the majority of sexually active adults will encounter it at some point during their lives. Yet many men are unaware that they can carry HPV, often without any symptoms at all. This lack of awareness is compounded by widespread confusion about testing — because unlike cervical screening for women, there is no routine HPV screening programme for men in the UK.

So what does HPV mean for men? What symptoms should you be aware of? And can men actually get tested for HPV in the UK? In this guide, we address these questions clearly and practically, covering hpv symptoms in men, the difference between genital warts and HPV, cancer risk, vaccination, and what options are realistically available.

Our clinic provides private STI testing services. We do not offer GP services or ongoing specialist medical care, but if further assessment is needed, you will be signposted to your GP or specialist service.

What Is HPV?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of more than 200 related viruses, many of which are spread through sexual contact. HPV is transmitted primarily through skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Condoms reduce risk but do not eliminate it entirely, because HPV can affect areas of skin not covered by a condom.

HPV strains are broadly classified into two categories:

• Low-risk HPV strains — these are associated with genital warts. Strains 6 and 11 are responsible for the vast majority of genital warts cases. Low-risk strains do not cause cancer.
• High-risk HPV strains — these can, in some cases, lead to cell changes that may develop into cancer over time. Strains 16 and 18 are the most significant high-risk types and are linked to the majority of HPV-related cancers.

HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. Most sexually active adults will encounter HPV at some point in their lives, and in many cases, the immune system clears the virus without any symptoms or health consequences.

HPV Symptoms in Men

Most men who carry HPV experience no symptoms whatsoever. The virus can be present in the body without producing any visible signs, which means it is possible to carry and transmit HPV unknowingly. When symptoms do occur, they depend on the type of HPV strain involved.

Genital Warts in Men

Genital warts are caused by low-risk HPV strains, most commonly types 6 and 11. They typically appear as:

• Small, flesh-coloured or slightly darker growths on or around the genitals
• Single or clustered formations — sometimes described as having a cauliflower-like texture
• Common locations include the shaft of the penis, the scrotum, the area around the anus, and occasionally the upper thighs

Genital warts are not dangerous and do not lead to cancer, but they can be a source of concern and discomfort. It is worth noting that genital warts look different from herpes sores — if you are unsure what you are seeing, our guide on what herpes looks like explains the visual differences between the two conditions.

Oral HPV in Men

Oral HPV in men is an area of growing awareness. HPV can infect the mouth and throat through oral sexual contact. In most cases, oral HPV produces no symptoms and clears on its own. However, persistent oral HPV infection with high-risk strains has been associated with oropharyngeal cancers — cancers affecting the back of the throat, base of the tongue, and tonsils.

Oral HPV is usually asymptomatic, which means it is rarely detected unless it causes problems. Routine screening for oral HPV is not currently available in the UK.

Genital Warts vs HPV: What's the Difference?

There is a common misunderstanding about the relationship between genital warts and HPV, and the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably — but they are not the same thing.

The key point is that genital warts and HPV are not the same thing. Genital warts are caused by HPV, but most HPV infections do not cause genital warts. You can carry HPV without ever developing visible warts, and the strains that cause warts are different from the strains associated with cancer risk.

Can Men Get Tested for HPV in the UK?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions, and the answer requires some honest clarity. Can men get tested for HPV in the UK? The short answer is: not routinely.

Unlike the NHS cervical screening programme, which tests women for high-risk HPV as part of routine smear tests, there is no equivalent screening programme for men in the UK. HPV testing for men is generally limited to specific clinical scenarios:

• Symptom-driven assessment — if a man presents with visible genital warts or suspicious lesions, a clinician can make a visual diagnosis or refer for biopsy
• Anal cytology — in certain high-risk groups, such as men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV, anal smear tests may be offered through specialist clinics
• Biopsy of suspicious lesions — if a growth or lesion is causing concern, a tissue sample may be taken for laboratory analysis

Routine HPV DNA testing for asymptomatic men — the kind that would tell you whether you are carrying HPV without symptoms — is not widely available in the UK, either through the NHS or privately. This is partly because HPV is so common that a positive result in an asymptomatic man has limited clinical value in guiding management.

Our clinic provides private STI testing but does not provide GP-level diagnostic procedures or cancer investigations. If further medical evaluation is required, you may be advised to consult your GP or appropriate specialist service.

HPV and Cancer Risk in Men

The relationship between high-risk HPV and men's health is an important topic, but it is essential to keep it in proportion. Persistent infection with high-risk HPV strains is associated with a number of cancers in men, including:

• Anal cancer — the majority of anal cancers are linked to HPV, particularly strain 16. Risk is higher in men who have sex with men and in individuals living with HIV.
• Penile cancer — a rare cancer, with approximately 50% of cases linked to HPV infection
• Oropharyngeal cancer — cancers of the back of the throat, tonsils, and base of the tongue. HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers have been increasing in incidence in recent years, particularly in men

It is important to emphasise that the cancer risk associated with HPV in men, while real, remains relatively low in absolute terms. The vast majority of HPV infections — including high-risk types — are cleared by the immune system without causing any problems. Cancer develops only when high-risk HPV persists over many years and causes progressive cell changes.

Factors that may increase risk include:

• Smoking — tobacco use is associated with a higher risk of HPV persistence and HPV-related cancers
• Weakened immune system — conditions or medications that suppress the immune system may reduce the body's ability to clear HPV
• Multiple sexual partners — increases lifetime HPV exposure

If you experience persistent symptoms such as unexplained bleeding, non-healing lesions, or unusual growths, further assessment through your GP or specialist services may be appropriate. Early clinical evaluation supports the best outcomes.

HPV Vaccination for Men in the UK

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to reduce HPV risk, and the HPV vaccination landscape in the UK has changed significantly in recent years:

• NHS school vaccination programme — since 2019, the HPV vaccine has been offered to all Year 8 pupils (aged 12–13) in England, regardless of gender. Before this, only girls were routinely vaccinated
• Catch-up eligibility — men who missed the school programme may be eligible for catch-up vaccination through sexual health clinics, particularly MSM aged up to 45
• Private vaccination — the HPV vaccine is available privately through some pharmacies and clinics for those outside NHS eligibility criteria
• Gardasil 9 — the vaccine currently used in the UK protects against nine HPV strains, including the main high-risk types (16 and 18) and the most common wart-causing types (6 and 11)

Vaccination significantly reduces the risk of HPV infection and HPV-related disease, but it does not eliminate risk entirely. The vaccine is most effective when given before first sexual contact, but it still offers benefit to those who have already been sexually active.

The HPV vaccine does not treat existing HPV infections. If you already carry HPV, the vaccine will not clear it — but it may protect you against strains you have not yet encountered.

Can HPV Clear on Its Own?

Yes. In many cases, HPV clears on its own without treatment. The immune system typically recognises and suppresses the virus over time:

• Most HPV infections resolve naturally within 1–2 years — the immune system clears the virus in the majority of cases
• Younger individuals tend to clear HPV more efficiently — though clearance is possible at any age
• Some infections may persist — particularly high-risk strains in individuals with weakened immune systems or other risk factors

The fact that most infections clear naturally is reassuring, but it does not mean that HPV should be ignored entirely. Persistent high-risk HPV is the type that poses a longer-term concern, which is why awareness, vaccination, and clinical vigilance when symptoms arise all play a role.

When Should a Man Seek Assessment?

While most HPV infections cause no problems and resolve on their own, there are situations where seeking clinical assessment is sensible:

• Persistent genital growths — warts or lumps that do not resolve or are causing discomfort
• Anal discomfort or bleeding — particularly in MSM or individuals with a history of anal HPV
• Unexplained bleeding — from the penis, anus, or throat
• Persistent throat symptoms — a lasting sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or voice changes after oral sexual exposure. Our guide on sore throat after oral sex covers this topic in more detail

If symptoms persist, consultation with a GP or specialist service may be advised. Clinical evaluation can help determine whether further investigation is needed.

HPV and Relationships

HPV is so common that if you or a partner receive a diagnosis, it is important to keep it in perspective. Most sexually active people will encounter HPV at some point, and a diagnosis does not indicate infidelity or irresponsible behaviour.

Navigating HPV in a relationship involves:

• Open communication — discussing sexual health openly supports trust and shared decision-making
• Understanding common exposure — HPV can be acquired years before symptoms appear, making it impossible to determine exactly when or from whom infection occurred
• No blame framing — HPV is a normal part of sexual health for the majority of adults
• Vaccination discussion — if one partner is diagnosed, the other may wish to discuss vaccination with their GP

HPV does not define a relationship or a person. Approaching it calmly and practically is the most constructive response.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can men be tested for HPV in the UK?

There is no routine HPV screening programme for men in the UK. Testing is generally limited to clinical assessment of visible symptoms such as genital warts, biopsy of suspicious lesions, or anal cytology in specific high-risk groups. Routine HPV DNA testing for asymptomatic men is not widely available.

Does HPV always cause genital warts?

No. Most HPV infections do not cause genital warts. Warts are caused by specific low-risk HPV strains (mainly types 6 and 11). Many people carry HPV without any visible signs or symptoms.

Can men pass HPV without symptoms?

Yes. HPV can be carried and transmitted without any symptoms. Because the virus spreads through skin-to-skin contact, transmission can occur even when no warts or other signs are present.

Is HPV permanent in men?

In most cases, no. The majority of HPV infections are cleared by the immune system within 1–2 years. However, some infections can persist, particularly high-risk strains. Persistent infection is less common but is the type that may pose longer-term health considerations.

Should my partner be tested?

If you have been diagnosed with genital warts, your partner may wish to seek assessment. However, because HPV is extremely common and there is no routine test for asymptomatic HPV in men, a clinical discussion about individual risk and vaccination may be more practical than attempting to test.

Does the HPV vaccine protect adults?

The HPV vaccine can provide benefit to adults, particularly those who have not been exposed to the specific strains covered by the vaccine. It is most effective when given before first sexual contact, but it is still recommended for eligible adults in certain groups. The vaccine does not treat existing infections.

When to Seek Medical Advice

You should consider seeking medical advice if you experience:

• Persistent sores or growths on or around the genitals that do not resolve
• Unexplained bleeding from the genitals, anus, or throat
• Painful or uncomfortable lesions that are worsening
• Ongoing throat issues — particularly after oral sexual exposure

Our clinic provides STI testing and can assess visible genital symptoms. For broader medical evaluation, ongoing treatment, or cancer-related investigations, you may be referred to your GP or specialist services. These symptoms do not necessarily indicate a serious problem, but clinical assessment ensures concerns are addressed appropriately.

Confidential HPV & STI Testing in the UK

If you have concerns about HPV or have noticed genital changes, confidential STI testing appointments are available at our UK clinic. Testing decisions depend on symptoms and individual history.

Whether you have questions about HPV or would like to book a test, we provide a practical, non-judgemental testing service. If results or symptoms suggest that GP referral, vaccination, or further investigation is needed, you will be signposted to your GP or appropriate specialist service.

Book a confidential appointment at a time that suits you.