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Question: HPV test for men?
| mommy2boys
- Sun Dec 24, 2006 11:28 pm |
I've had 3 abnormal paps in the past 2 years and 3 colposcopies (I"m currently awaiting the results of the 3rd). My dr finally told me after the 3rd pap that the test showed HPV and the colpo's showed dysplasia. My dr wants to test my fiance for HPV but from what I've read there are no tests for men. Should he take the test? How accurate is it? And if he takes it and it show HPV what are the treatments? Also how do I explain to my fiance (we have 2 kids, one of which is from a previous relationship) that while HPV is serious (at least for me) it's not the end of the world, and most of all, our relationship?
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| Dr. Safaa Mahmoud
- Mon Dec 25, 2006 3:03 pm |
 Hello,
HPV is a heterogeneous group of viruses that contain closed circular double-stranded DNA.
There are more than 30 types of genital HPV that can infect the genital area of men, including the skin on and around the penis or anus.
There is not an approved test to detect HPV in men. However, infection is usually expected in men who have long time relationship with women positive for HPV.
Those who develop genital warts are easily diagnosed by clinical examination. Genital warts are usually diagnosed by visual inspection and tissue examination is possible.
When it is suspected, some doctors may use a vinegar solution to help identify flat warts, although not specific for warts and a normal skin may give results similar to that of warts.
In gay, bisexual, and HIV-positive men, some recommend routine anal Pap tests for screening.
It is not important to diagnose the disease in men for fear for complication or for specific treatment although Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted virus, most men will not develop health problems from HPV.
The importance of diagnosis comes from the fact that men at high risk for developing warts should be followed carefuly and should be aware for not transmitting the disease for their partner.
In women, HPV infection alone does not cause malignant transformation of infected tissue. Cofactors increase the like hood chance for malignant transformation, like tobacco use, pregnancy, folate deficiency, and immune suppression.
Hope this information is useful.
Best regards.
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