HPV Testing in Men

HPV testing in men involves taking a swab from the genital skin (commonly the shaft, glans, urethra, under the foreskin or perianal area).. The swab is analysed using DNA PCR to detect specific HPV genotypes.

Unlike in women, there is no routine screening, and testing in men is mainly used for diagnostic or partner-related concerns.

To prepare for sampling, avoid showering or cleaning the genitalia for 24hrs before test to allow cellular material to build up. It is acceptable to pass urine in the morning at least 2 hours before the sample is taken.

For men, HPV samples are collected using a swab. The clinician will take the swab from any area of sub-preputial moisture or wetness. If you don't have a foreskin, or your glans and coronal sulcus are dry, the swab can be wet-swabbed, meaning it's dipped in sterile saline before swabbing. Throat or anal swabs can also be used if needed.

Even with these precautions, there's a small chance—about 1 in 20—that the sample won't have enough cellular material, and the swab might need to be repeated. If this happens, the repeat swab should be done at least 4 weeks later to allow the cells to regenerate, and there won't be an extra charge.

Avoid washing the genital area or applying creams for at least 24 hours before your appointment. This helps ensure enough viral material is present for accurate testing.

Wear loose clothing for comfort, and inform the clinic of any recent symptoms, skin treatments, or history of genital warts.

Mild to moderate discomfort during or after the swab is normal and usually settles within a few hours.

If you experience significant pain, irritation, or bleeding that lasts beyond 24 hours, contact your clinic for advice.

There isn't a defined window period in the same way as for some other STIs. HPV testing in men detects the presence of the virus at the time of testing. The test can be performed when you have visible lesions or, if recommended by a Specialist, even in the absence of lesions. It's important to remember that the results only relate to the site the sample was taken from and that different HPV types can be present at different sites.

The two main molecular test types are HPV DNA PCR and HPV mRNA PCR.

– DNA PCR tests detect the presence of HPV’s genetic material and are more widely available.
– mRNA tests (detecting E6/E7 expression) are less commonly used in men and primarily studied for identifying active infection in cervical/anal screening.

Both types may detect low-risk HPV types (linked to genital warts) and high-risk types (associated with cancer), but availability varies across clinics.

HPV testing in men involves swabbing areas such as the penile shaft, glans, or under the foreskin (if present). Avoiding washing beforehand helps ensure enough cellular material is collected. Urine is not a reliable sample type because it typically lacks sufficient surface cells.

In the lab, the sample undergoes HPV DNA PCR testing:

• First, the lab checks if the sample contains enough human cellular material.
• If adequate, the test searches for the DNA of HPV — identifying whether low-risk or high-risk genotypes are present.
• If a visible lesion is biopsied, further testing (including histology and HPV typing) may be used to confirm diagnosis and HPV involvement.

A negative swab result is reassuring, but it does not completely rule out HPV, especially if lesions are small or located elsewhere.

HPV DNA PCR is a sensitive method for detecting high- and low-risk types, but it has limitations:

– Site-dependent: It only detects HPV at the area swabbed. If the virus is present elsewhere, it may be missed.
– Sampling error: If the swab doesn’t pick up enough cells, the lab cannot process the test.
– No timing indicator: The test cannot determine when the infection was acquired or if it is new vs persistent.

Despite these limits, a negative result is generally reassuring, especially if performed by trained staff and when the sample site reflects the clinical concern.

HPV testing in men is not recommended for routine screening, but it may be appropriate in specific cases:

– Persistent genital lesions or warts (lasting more than 4 weeks)
– Concerns about HPV exposure, especially in immunocompromised individuals or men who have sex with men (MSM)
– As part of a specialist assessment, such as for unexplained penile skin changes or partner-directed evaluation

If concerned, consulting a Specialist Healthcare Professional can help determine if testing is needed and how to interpret results meaningfully.

Low-risk HPV types (e.g., HPV 6 and 11) commonly cause genital warts, which are benign but may recur.

High-risk HPV types (e.g., HPV 16, 18, 31…) are linked to cancer development, particularly penile, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers. However, most men with high-risk HPV do not develop cancer.

Any lesion that persists beyond 4 weeks or changes in appearance should be assessed by a specialist to rule out more serious causes.

Your results will be sent to you by secure email or sms depence on your choice. For confidentiality, the file will be password-protected. If needed, a follow-up appointment can be arranged to discuss the result in more detail.

A negative result means no HPV DNA was detected at the area tested. This is generally reassuring. However, it doesn't completely rule out infection — the virus may be present at other sites, or below the test’s detection threshold, particularly if lesions are small or subclinical.

A positive HPV result means that HPV DNA was detected at the sampled site (e.g. penis, anus). The test will also indicate whether the type found is low-risk (linked to warts) or high-risk (associated with cancer).

Next steps may include:

- No visible lesions: No immediate treatment is needed. Most HPV infections resolve naturally. Consider repeat testing in 12 months.
- Visible warts: Options include creams, cryotherapy, or hyfrecation. Your clinician will advise the best option.
- Lifestyle changes: Stop smoking or vaping — both impair immune response.
- Monitoring: Any lesion lasting >4 weeks should be assessed.
- Sexual health: Condoms reduce transmission risk but aren’t 100% protective. Continue routine cervical screening for partners.
- Medication: Imunovir (inosine pranobex) may be used off-label as supportive therapy alongside treatment.
– HPV vaccination (if eligible): to protect against strains not yet acquired.

A Specialist Healthcare Professional can help you interpret the result and decide next steps based on your situation.

High-risk HPV types increase the risk of certain cancers, including penile cancer. That said, most men with high-risk HPV never develop cancer.

If no lesions are present, no treatment is required. If lesions develop and persist beyond 4 weeks, seek specialist review to rule out malignancy.

Yes. The immune system usually clears HPV over time, and healthy lifestyle choices can support this process:

– Stop smoking or vaping
– Eat a balanced diet and manage stress
– Consider a repeat test in 12 months, though this is optional

Seek medical advice if any new or persistent genital lesions appear.

There is no cure for HPV itself, however self-clearence is possible. Warts and other lesions caused by it can be treated using:

– Prescription creams
– Cryotherapy (freezing)
– Hyfrecation (heat-based removal, often used at Clarewell Clinics)

In some cases, Imunovir (inosine pranobex) is prescribed to help the immune system clear the virus, especially when used alongside lesion removal.

It varies. Many people clear the virus within 1–2 years, but in others, it may persist longer — especially high-risk types or in immunocompromised individuals.

You're not legally or medically required to inform your partner. HPV is common and usually doesn’t require partner testing.

However, open communication can be helpful. Ensure female partners stay up-to-date with cervical screening, as your result does not affect their testing schedule.

It's not possible to determine when an HPV infection was first acquired.

Yes. The HPV vaccine can protect against types you haven’t yet encountered.
It won’t treat existing infections and does not cover all HPV types — for example, type 66 is not included in current vaccines. Vaccination is most effective before sexual debut but can still offer benefit after exposure.

Imunovir (inosine pranobex) is a prescription immune-modulating medication. At Clarewell Clinics, it may be used:

– As supportive therapy with hyfrecation or surgical removal
– Off-label for persistent low-risk or high-risk HPV, especially when lesions are recurring

A typical course is 500 mg twice daily for 50 days, but dosing may vary. Speak to a specialist to assess whether it's right for your case.

Yes, men can be tested for HPV, although routine screening is not currently recommended for the general male population. Testing is usually considered in cases of:

– Symptoms such as genital warts
– Partners of individuals with HPV-related abnormalities
– Men who have sex with men (MSM) or are immunocompromised

Unlike cervical testing, sampling in men has lower sensitivity due to the virus’ patchy presence on skin. Results should be interpreted in clinical context.

There is no formally recommended age for HPV testing in men. However, testing may be appropriate from the late teens or early 20s in those who are sexually active and have relevant risk factors (e.g. multiple partners, MSM, immunocompromised).

It’s worth noting that HPV vaccination is most effective if given before sexual debut, and is currently offered to boys aged 12–13 in the UK.