HPV-Related Issues in Men: Diagnosis and Treatment Insights

Q: HPV-Related Issues in Men: Diagnosis and Treatment Insights

Hello： 1) Most experienced physicians can handle it, but it’s better to have organizational confirmation; sometimes if it's too small, only electrosurgery or other methods can be used. <br>2) There are methods available. <br>3) Not necessarily; it is possible that the sample does

Male HPV-related issues?

Hello Doctor, about a month ago I had sexual intercourse (with a condom) and during this period, I visited a hot spring twice.
Approximately two weeks after the sexual activity, I noticed a split in my urine stream and found two or three small soft warts at the urethral opening.
They are not painful or itchy, and there are no other symptoms.
After observing for a week, I decided to visit a small clinic for medical attention.
During the examination, the doctor looked at the glans and urethral opening and immediately said it was genital warts.
I wanted to address it quickly, so I chose to undergo electrosurgery.
After the procedure, the doctor prescribed antibiotics, pain relievers, an unknown ointment, and a medication said to be antiviral, which I can take as long as I want (out-of-pocket cost of 500 for a week).
I have completed the treatment and would like to ask the doctor the following questions:
1.
Can HPV be diagnosed directly without blood tests or biopsies?
2.
Now that the lesions have been removed, is there a way to test if the body has the HPV virus?
3.
If the test result is negative, does that mean there is no virus in the body?
4.
Once the wound has healed, how long should I wait before engaging in sexual intercourse or will there be no risk of transmission?
5.
Is it necessary to continue taking the antiviral medication?
Thank you, Doctor, for your assistance with these questions.

11271, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/03/10

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: 1) Most experienced physicians can handle it, but it’s better to have organizational confirmation; sometimes if it's too small, only electrosurgery or other methods can be used.
2) There are methods available.
3) Not necessarily; it is possible that the sample does not contain the virus.
4) If it is confirmed as genital warts, it is recommended to observe for at least a few months; if new growths appear, further treatment is needed.
5) It depends on the clinical situation and the physician's judgment; personally, I believe careful observation is more important.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2021/03/10

More Info

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a significant health concern for both men and women, and it is essential for men to be aware of HPV-related issues, including diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies. Here, I will address your questions and provide insights based on current medical knowledge.

1. Diagnosis of HPV without Blood Tests or Biopsies: HPV is primarily diagnosed through visual examination of warts or lesions, as in your case, where the doctor identified soft, wart-like growths (commonly referred to as "cauliflower" lesions). While there are no blood tests to detect HPV in men, the presence of visible symptoms can lead to a clinical diagnosis. In some cases, a biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis, especially if there is a concern about the nature of the lesions. However, if the lesions are characteristic of HPV, a biopsy may not be necessary.

2. Testing for HPV After Lesion Removal: Once the visible lesions have been treated (e.g., through electrosurgery), it is still possible to test for HPV. However, standard testing methods for HPV, such as DNA tests, are not routinely performed in men. The most common approach is to monitor for any recurrence of symptoms. If you are concerned about the presence of HPV in your body, discussing this with your healthcare provider is essential. They may recommend follow-up examinations to ensure no new lesions develop.

3. Understanding HPV Test Results: If you were to undergo testing and receive a negative result, it would indicate that no HPV was detected at that time. However, it is important to understand that HPV can remain dormant in the body, and a negative test does not guarantee that the virus is entirely absent. The immune system can often suppress the virus, leading to a situation where it is not actively causing symptoms.

4. Timing for Resuming Sexual Activity: After treatment, it is generally advised to wait until the lesions have completely healed before resuming sexual activity. This healing process can take several weeks, and it is crucial to follow your doctor's recommendations regarding when it is safe to engage in sexual intercourse. Engaging in sexual activity before complete healing may increase the risk of transmission, even if you are using protection.

5. Antiviral Medication: The necessity of continuing antiviral medication should be discussed with your healthcare provider. In many cases, antiviral medications are prescribed to help manage symptoms or prevent recurrence, but they are not a cure for HPV. The immune system plays a significant role in controlling HPV, and many individuals clear the virus naturally over time. Your doctor will provide guidance on whether ongoing antiviral treatment is appropriate for your situation.

In conclusion, HPV is a complex virus with various implications for both men and women. Regular check-ups, open communication with sexual partners, and preventive measures such as vaccination are crucial in managing HPV risks. If you have further concerns or questions, do not hesitate to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and current health status.

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