Q: I’ve heard all this talk about women and the HPV vaccine but I was wondering if guys can have HPV?

A: Yes. HPV can be contracted by men who are sexually active. Most men who get HPV (of any type) never develop any symptoms or health problems. Some types of HPV can cause genital warts which occur in about 1% of sexually active men in the US.

Q: Are there any tests that guys can get to see if they have HPV?

A: No. Currently, there is no general test for men or women to check one’s overall “HPV status.” The only approved HPV test on the market is for women, for use as part of cervical cancer screening (Pap test). HPV usually goes away on its own, without causing health problems. So an HPV infection that is found today will most likely not be there in a year or two from now.

Q: Is there an HPV vaccine for guys?

A: No. Studies are currently being done to find out if the vaccine we use for women is also safe for men.

Q: My girlfriend was told she has HPV. What does that mean for me?

A: Partners usually share HPV. If you have been together for a long time, you probably have HPV already. Most sexually active adults will have HPV at some point in their lives. Men rarely develop health problems from HPV. But you should regularly check you penis for any abnormalities. If your partner is new, condoms may lower your chances of getting HPV. Not having sex is the only sure way to avoid HPV.

Q: Does this mean she has been fooling around with someone else?

A: A person can have HPV for many years before it is detected. So there is no way to know if your girlfriend gave you HPV, or if you gave HPV to her.