Men Get HPV Too: Here’s What You Need to Know

While preparing content for National Men’s Health Week (June 9–15, 2025), I hit a familiar wall: almost all the information out there still frames HPV as a “women’s issue.” Cervical screening, periods, pink posters, nothing wrong with any of that, but what about everyone else? Working in the cervical screening space, I know how vital these efforts are. But I also know HPV absolutely affects men. Yet so many guys are left out of the conversation entirely. It’s time to change that. When I first started digging into HPV for this piece, I messaged a mate of mine (gay, smart, and usually pretty clued in) and asked if he knew much about HPV in men. His response?

“Is HPV the new name for HIV or have I really been out of the loop lmao.”

It made me laugh, but it also proved the point: even among health-literate queer men, HPV just isn’t on the radar the way it should be.

So if you’re a man (cis or trans), transmasc, non-binary, or anyone rocking a penis, this one’s for you. Let’s talk about how HPV actually shows up in masculine bodies, and what you can do to protect yourself.

First up: What is HPV, anyway?

HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections out there. There are over 100 strains, and while many go away on their own, some (particularly types 16 and 18) can cause genital warts or lead to certain types of cancer, yep, in men too. Think: anal cancer, penile cancer, and throat cancers (especially if you're into oral sex). You can get HPV through skin-to-skin contact, including oral, anal, and vaginal sex. Barrier protection (like condoms and dental dams) helps reduce the risk, but it doesn’t eliminate it entirely because the virus can be spread from areas not covered by a condom.

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at higher risk of HPV infection and are more likely to experience repeated or persistent infections, which can lead to conditions like genital warts and anal cancer. According to an Australian study from 2009, this elevated risk shows up across all age groups, regardless of HIV status or immune health. In short: it’s not just a young or immunocompromised thing, it’s a real risk for anyone in this group.

Why men often miss the memo

HPV has long been recognised as a critical issue in women’s health, especially due to its role in cervical cancer and the widespread promotion of cervical screening. However, this focus means many men and masculine-presenting people may feel HPV doesn’t apply to them. Since there’s no routine HPV screening for people without a cervix, it’s easy for them to be overlooked. If you’re a guy, it might seem like HPV isn’t on your radar, but that’s because the conversation hasn’t fully included you yet. It’s important that we expand awareness and prevention efforts to everyone affected.

So... what can HPV actually do to men?

Most people with HPV never show symptoms, and many strains will clear naturally over time. But some strains can cause:

• Genital warts – these aren’t dangerous, but they’re contagious and can be uncomfortable.

• Anal cancer – uncommon but more common in gay, bi, and other men who have sex with men (MSM), especially those who are HIV positive. According to the Anal Cancer Foundation (ACF) HP causes 91% of anal cancers and affects 2690 men each year in the US and 1310 men and women in the UK.

• Penile cancer – rare, but HPV can increase the risk. Also reported by the ACF, 401 men were diagnosed each year between 2014 and 2016 in the UK.

• Throat and mouth cancers – especially linked to oral sex with someone who has HPV.

So yeah, it’s not just “harmless” or “someone else’s problem.”

The HPV vaccine: It’s not too late

Here’s the good news: the HPV vaccine (you might know it as Gardasil 9) protects against the most harmful strains. It’s free under the National Immunisation Program in Australia for people up to age 26, and can still be useful if you’re older particularly if you are immunocompromised or part of an at risk group. If you didn’t get vaccinated in high school, don’t stress. Chat with your GP or local sexual health clinic. It's still worth it, especially if you're sexually active or planning to be.

Fun fact: men who have sex with men are actually encouraged to get the vaccine as part of the Australian Imminusation Handbook, even later in life, because of higher risk of anal and oral HPV.

A quick note for transmasc & non-binary folks

If you’re transmasc or non-binary and have a cervix, you’re still at risk for HPV-related cervical cancer, regardless of your gender identity. But even if you’ve had a hysterectomy or don't have a cervix, HPV can still affect your anus, throat, or penis. Self-swab cervical screening is now an option for many people in Australia, which can make the process less dysphoria-inducing. You're not alone in navigating this stuff, queer-friendly clinics do exist, and you deserve affirming care.

Prevention tips (that aren’t fear-mongery)

• Get vaccinated – even if you’re not a teenager anymore.

• Use barriers – condoms (internal and external) and dental dams reduce the risk (and are fab for queer sex safety too).

• Talk to your partners – open convo = less shame, more power.

• Stay informed – especially if you're MSM, transmasc, or immunocompromised.

Bottom line?

HPV doesn’t care about your gender. It affects men. It affects trans and non-binary folks. It affects all of us. But knowledge is power, and protection is possible.

So let’s stop treating HPV like it’s just a “women’s issue.” Because your health matters, your body matters, and you deserve accurate, inclusive info that speaks to you.

Resources

• https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/human-papillomavirus.aspx

• https://www.thebottomline.org.au/site/section/show/2/hpv--related-diseases/4/hpv-and-gay-men

• https://ownit.org.au/

• https://www.amhf.org.au/men_s_health_week_australia

If you have questions or want to learn more about HPV and vaccination, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider or local sexual health clinic. Keep following us here at SSP for the latest updates on sexual health.

References

Australian Health Department of Government and Aged Care. (2023, December 17). Men who have sex with men of any age are recommended to receive HPV vaccine. The Australian Immunisation Handbook. https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/recommendations/men-who-have-sex-with-men-are-recommended-to-receive-hpv-vaccine

Daling, J. R., Weiss, N. S., Hislop, T. G., Maden, C., Coates, R. J., Sherman, K. J., Ashley, R. L., Beagrie, M., Ryan, J. A., & Corey, L. (1987). Sexual practices, sexually transmitted diseases, and the incidence of anal cancer. New England Journal of Medicine, 317(16), 973–977. https://doi.org/10.1056/nejm198710153171601

What is HPV cancer? symptoms, causes & treatment. The Anal Cancer Foundation. (2024, October). https://www.analcancerfoundation.org/what-is-anal-cancer/hpv-cancer

Vajdic, C. M., van Leeuwen, M. T., Jin, F., Prestage, G., Medley, G., Hillman, R. J., Stevens, M. P., Botes, L. P., Zablotska, I., Tabrizi, S. N., & Grulich, A. E. (2009). Anal human papillomavirus genotype diversity and co-infection in a community-based sample of homosexual men. Sexually Transmitted Infections, 85(5), 330–335. https://doi.org/10.1136/sti.2008.034744

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The information provided in this blog post is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While I am a registered health practitioner, this content is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional who can consider your individual circumstances.

This blog reflects my personal views and professional experiences and does not represent the views of my employer or any affiliated organisations.

In line with AHPRA guidelines, no testimonials are included, and this blog post is not intended to advertise or promote specific services or treatments.