I am Prof. Dr. Volkan İzol. I have been working in the field of urology for over 20 years, focusing particularly on minimally invasive surgery, urologic oncology, and men’s health. In recent years, one of the issues I have encountered most frequently in my clinical practice has been HPV infection.

There is still a lot of misinformation circulating in society. Many myths are out there, such as “HPV only affects women,” “HPV only causes warts,” “There is no treatment for HPV,” and “HPV definitely leads to cancer.”

In this article, we’ll tell you:

•What is HPV?

•How is HPV transmitted?

•What are the symptoms of HPV?

•How does HPV manifest in men?

•Does HPV cause cancer?

•How is an HPV test performed?

•Is there a treatment for HPV?

•Who should receive the HPV vaccine?

I will explain the answers to all the most frequently asked questions—such as these—in a scientific yet accessible language.

What Is HPV?

HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is a virus that causes infections in the skin and mucous membranes. To date, more than 200 types of HPV have been identified.

Some examples of these types:

•Causes only warts (low-risk types)

•May cause cancer (high-risk types)

HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the world. The vast majority of sexually active individuals will contract HPV at some point in their lives.

Important point:

The majority of HPV infections are cleared by the immune system on their own.

How Is HPV Transmitted?

There is a great deal of misinformation in the public about how HPV is transmitted.

HPV:

•Through vaginal intercourse

•Through anal sex

•Through oral sex

•Through skin contact

•Through genital contact

may be contagious.

Unprotected sex is the most significant risk factor. However, using condoms does not completely prevent HPV transmission, as the virus can also be transmitted through areas not covered by the condom.

I’d like to emphasize the following regarding HPV:

HPV is not just a disease associated with “promiscuity.” It can also occur in monogamous individuals.

What Are the Symptoms of HPV?

HPV symptoms vary depending on the type of virus.

1️⃣ Genital Warts (Condyloma)

It is the most common symptom.

•On the penis

•In the scrotum

•Around the anus

•In the vaginal area

•At the cervix

It appears as small, raised lesions that resemble cauliflower.

Sometimes it can be singular, sometimes plural.

2️⃣ It May Not Show Any Symptoms

Most HPV infections are asymptomatic.

In this case, the person is a carrier but is unaware of it.

3️⃣ High-Risk HPV and Cancer

Some types of HPV cause cellular changes over many years, leading to:

•Cervical cancer

•Penile cancer

•Anal cancer

•Oral and throat cancer

may increase the risk.

However, it must be made clear that:

Not everyone with an HPV infection develops cancer.

How Does HPV Manifest in Men?

This topic is particularly important in my field.

HPV in men:

•It can cause genital warts

•It may increase the risk of penile cancer

•May increase the risk of anal cancer

•Oral HPV can increase the risk of throat cancer

Men often show no symptoms. As a result, they may unknowingly transmit the infection to their partners.

When HPV symptoms appear in men, they usually:

•Warts on the penis

•Lesion around the anus

•Itching

•Bleeding

It looks like this.

Does HPV Cause Cancer?

Yes, some types can cause it.

In particular:

•HPV 16

•HPV 18

These are high-risk types.

HPV is detected in 99% of cervical cancers.

However, the key point here is this:

An HPV infection does not necessarily mean cancer.

Regarding cancer development:

•Long-term infection

•Weakened immune system

•Smoking

•Failure to undergo regular screenings

Factors such as these are required.

Early diagnosis and regular screening significantly reduce the risk of cancer.

How Is an HPV Test Performed?

HPV Testing for Women

•Pap smear

•HPV DNA test

It is performed using a sample taken from the cervix.

HPV Testing for Men

Routine HPV screening is not recommended for men. However:

•If you have warts

•If there is a suspicious lesion

•If the partner has high-risk HPV

An evaluation is conducted.

In men, an HPV diagnosis is usually made through a clinical examination.

Is There a Treatment for HPV?

This is the most frequently asked question.

There is no medication that completely eliminates the HPV virus.

However:

•Genital warts can be treated.

•Supports the immune system.

•The lesions are removed.

Genital Wart Treatment

•Cauterization

•Cryotherapy (freezing)

•Laser

•Topical creams

In my clinical practice, I particularly prefer minimally invasive methods.

However, it should be noted that:

The clearance of a lesion does not mean that the virus has been completely eliminated.

Who Should Get the HPV Vaccine?

The HPV vaccine provides protection against many high-risk and low-risk types.

Suggested groups:

•Young people aged 9–26

•Sexually active individuals

•Men

•Women

The HPV vaccine should be administered to both women and men.

Vaccine:

•It does not treat an existing infection

•However, it prevents new infections

Ways to Protect Yourself from HPV

•HPV vaccine

•Condom use

•Monogamy

•Regular screening

•Quitting smoking

•Keeping the immune system strong

Anal HPV and Oral HPV

HPV doesn't just affect the genital area.

Anal HPV

In particular:

•In individuals with a history of anal intercourse

•In people with weakened immune systems

The risk of anal cancer may increase.

Oral HPV

It can be transmitted through oral sex.

•Throat cancer

•Tongue cancer

is related to.

The Psychology of HPV: What Do Patients Fear Most?

The most common thing I see in my patients diagnosed with HPV is:

•Shame

•Guilt

•Not being able to tell my spouse

• The “Do I Have Cancer?” Panic

HPV is a common infection. It is not a moral issue. It is a medical condition.

Treatment of Genital Warts in Men

From a urological perspective:

•Number of lesions

•Localization

•Repetition status

determines the treatment plan.

With minimally invasive methods, it can often be brought under control in a short period of time.

How Long Does It Take for HPV to Clear Up?

In individuals with a strong immune system:

•It can be cleaned within 1–2 years.

However, some high-risk types may be persistent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does HPV go away completely?

In most cases, yes.

Can someone with HPV get married?

Yes.

Does HPV cause infertility?

It doesn't do it directly.

Is the HPV vaccine safe?

Yes, millions of doses have been administered worldwide.

Conclusion

HPV is one of the most common viral infections today. However, with a proactive approach:

•Early diagnosis

•Regular screening

•Vaccination

•The right treatment

can be brought under control.

As Prof. Dr. Volkan İzol, I apply both medical and surgical approaches to the treatment of HPV and genital warts based on scientific evidence.

It is important to consult a specialist urologist for a detailed evaluation and treatment plan regarding HPV.