Huma Papilomavirus (HPV)

What About the Male Partner?

One or more of the over 100 types of Huma Papilomavirus (HPV) are present in the skin of most of us. For women, several of the HPV types are potentially carcinogenic, while they do not seem to carry the same risk for men. Venereal warts, also caused by HPV, can develop equally in men and women.

Men carry HPV and can pass it on to their partner even when there are no visible lesions. Condom use does not prevent HPV transmission because the virus can be shared by contact with the skin of the genitals, the anus, and with oral sex. The condom avoids only infections transmitted by sperm and seminal fluid: HPV can be transmitted at ejaculation, but it is neither the main nor the most frequent way of transmission.

The safest choice for a couple is to remain monogamous, because each new partner brings her or his own HPV types, augmenting the burden of the immune system. On the other hand, after two people have shared their HPV types, and no new ones come into the picture, the immune system has a better chance to handle the virus successfully.

To detect disease invisible at the naked eye, men should undergo acetic acid soak followed by magnifying-lens examination, a procedure equivalent to colposcopy for women, but not all physicians are equally interested and trained. Even when no lesion is found, the examination should be periodically repeated. HPV testing of the semen and examination of the urethra and bladder are necessary in selected cases. A rectal examination, HPV rectal swab, and acetic acid soak are mandatory.

The best defense against HPV, for both men and women, is an effective immune system. Healthy diet, exercise, adequate rest, and stress-reduction practices are all related to immune balance. Smoking apparently lowers folic acid level in the tissue, giving an advantage to HPV.

Treatment modalities to enhance tissue immunity (Imiquimod, Interferon A) are available. Lesion destruction diminishes the viral load, causing indirect immune stimulation. Lesions can be eliminated chemically (podofillin, tetrachloroacetic acid) or surgically (excision, desiccation, chryoablation, laser ablation, etc).

Author: Anna Margherita Sassone, MD
(718-622-1800) www. clocktowergynecology.com

Dr. Sassone performs male examination and treatment for HPV. If a male physician is preferred, here are the names of two doctors who can provide thorough examination and treatment:

David Frankel, MD
263 Seventh Avenue, suite 4D
Brooklyn
178-369-3559

Marc Gossin, PA
80 East 11th Street, suite 211
Manhattan
212-677-1777
www.alwaysyourchoice.com