Penis Bumps May Be Due to HPV

Who wants to unveil their pride and joy – whether to a new potential sex partner or to the guys hanging around the gym locker room – and have people see that their manhood is covered with penis bumps? Sure, many penis bumps are benign and not a penis health concern – but by the same token, many may not be so benign. And whether benign or not, a potential partner may not be able to tell. A case in point: when those penis bumps are the result of HPV (also known as the human papillomavirus).

About HPV

HPV has been in the news in recent years, but many of those stories have focused on the problems that HPV can cause in women. Because of this, many sexually active men think that either men can’t get HPV or that it can’t have any effect on them.

Both of these assumptions are wrong. As a matter of fact, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that almost all people (of any gender) who are sexually active will get HPV at some point in their lives, unless they have been effectively vaccinated. (Currently, about 79 million Americans are thought to be infected.)

So what exactly is HPV? It’s a virus, as the name implies, and it most often is spread through sexual contact – anal, vaginal or oral. In some cases, it can be spread through other forms of skin-to-skin contact. So having unprotected sexual contact with someone who already has the virus can easily spread the virus to their partner.

Problems

Now, often a person can get HPV and never know it. In the majority of cases, the virus goes through the system and goes away without leaving nay visible signs or causing any health issues.

But not so in other cases. One of the more common symptoms associated with HPV in men is the development of penis bumps in the form of genital warts. (Women can also develop these warts in their vaginal area. Anal warts also can come about from anal sex in either sex.) The warts can vary in size from very small to fairly large. They can be flat but or more often raised above the skin surface; and they often have a cauliflower-like look to them.

These warts are unattractive and very off-putting, and they can recur even after they have gone away. A doctor’s care is needed to determine the best kind of medical treatment for them.

A more serious complication from HPV can be cancer. HPV doesn’t cause cancer itself, but it increases the risk of cancer developing. In men, this may be penile cancer or, if they receive anal sex, anal cancer. Men who contract HPV from oral sex may develop cancer of the throat or tongue.

There are at this time no tests or treatments for HPV in men, so taking steps to prevent HPV is recommended. Young men can have the option of a vaccination, which is not currently recommended for men over 26 years of age. Using condoms is definitely recommended to prevent acquisition of HPV.

Penis bumps from HPV can be scary, so practicing prevention is key. Men should also just generally take steps to keep their penises healthy, such as regular application of an excellent penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). The best cremes of this type include a wide range of key vitamins, such as A, B5, C, D and E. Ideally, the crème should also contain L-carnitine. This neuroprotective amino acid helps maintain proper penis sensitivity, which can become diminished over time through over-aggressive handling of the penis during sex (partner-based or solo).

Penis Warts and the HPV Connection

Quick: Name the most common viral STI in the United States. Those who guessed genital warts are correct. But do they know that those unattractive penis warts that can put a major crimp in a man’s sex life are often caused by HPV? Understanding the connections between penis warts and HPV is important in order to maintain penis health at the proper level.

Penis warts

A man wants his penis to always look its best and never wants it to look diseased. But that’s exactly what happens when a guy comes down with penis warts. Scientifically known as condylomata acuminate, the warts caused by HPV are especially nasty looking. They may be very small, although some can grow to a surprisingly large size, and they tend to be in the tan-to-brown color range. But it’s not the size or the color that is off-putting so much as the shape. They are often described as "cauliflower-like," and that is an accurate description, making them look like something more at home in the produce aisle of the grocery store than on the penile equipment of a sexually active male.

HPV

Most penis warts are the result of HPV, the human papillomavirus that has been in the news in recent years. HPV is usually presented as a big problem for women, but the fact is that it can be a significant issue for men as well. In women, HPV is associated with (among other things) an increased risk for cervical cancer. Since men cannot get cervical cancer, that risk does not exist for them; however, there are other cancer risks increased with the presence of HPV. These include cancers of the penis, throat and anus.

Much more of an issue, however, are the penis warts. While these may pose a minimal health risk, they are unsightly and can have a significant impact on a man’s sex life, as well as on his self-esteem and his psychological and emotional well-being. (Penis warts do not always appear in all cases of male HPV.)

How does a man contract HPV? Most of the time he gets it through sexual contact with another person who has it. Up to 85% of men with penis warts have partners with cervical warts, so the causal connection seems pretty clear.

Prevention and treatment

In recent years, a vaccination has been developed to prevent HPV. It has a high success rate. Unfortunately, as of this writing the vaccine is only effective if people receive it by age 26; hopefully that will change in time. It is currently a three-dose vaccine administered over a period of 6 months.

It is very important that men use protection while engaging in sex, especially if their partner’s HPV status is not known.

About 50% of cases of penis warts clear up on their own, but they are likely to recur. There are several treatments available, so it’s important that a man bring this issue to the attention of his doctor so an appropriate course of action can be prescribed. The virus itself is not targeted; instead, the warts are treated so they can be removed. In some instances, surgery may be required, but most often other options are effective.

Men may not know they have contracted HPV until (or unless) penis warts appear. After treatment, it is crucial that a man continue to monitor his penis health and regularly utilize a first class penis health crème ( health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). The best cremes will contain a range of vitamins known to provide a boost to penile health, including vitamins A, B5, C, D and E. That crème should also include alpha lipoic acid, a potent antioxidant that is a key player in the fight against free radicals and the oxidative stress damage that they can cause, negatively impacting penile health.

Penile Cancer - What are the Signs and Risk Factors?

Words like "broken penis" or "impotence" may strike fear into the heart of every man, but the words "penile cancer" can be even more frightening. Cancer of the penis is rare, but it can be deadly, so understanding the risk factors and knowing the signs to watch for can be an important aspect of penis care.

Understanding Cancer
Cancer is a term that refers to abnormal cell growth in the body. Cancerous cells, or tumors, tend to grow much faster than the surrounding healthy tissue, and they generally grow in a disorganized manner. Over time, cancerous tumors can impede normal function of the affected organs, and if the growth is not checked, the cancer cells can metastasize, or spread to other parts of the body. The key to treating cancer successfully is to catch it as early as possible, so knowing what to look for and making self-exams a part of the personal care regimen is a must, especially for men who are known to be at a higher risk for cancer.

In the case of penile cancer, tumors are often found on the very tip of the penis, although they can also occur elsewhere. Men who are circumcised might be able to see changes in the skin without much effort, but those who haven't been cut might need to retract the foreskin and inspect the underlying tissue carefully for any of the following warning signs. Tumors on the penis are often described as:

Thickened patches of skin

Flat, blue-brown spots

Bleeding sores

Painless bumps

These descriptions could match a number of other health conditions that could impact the penis, and it's important to note that many people who develop these changes don’t always have cancer. In fact, penile cancer is remarkably rare, but any abnormalities like this should prompt a visit to the doctor.

Common Risk Factors
While penile cancer is rare, it does happen, especially to men who have a number of risk factors. Cleanliness is one such risk factor that seems to have a deep impact on a man's chances of getting cancer. Men who don't clean regularly, including men who can't retract the foreskin and don't clean underneath it, are at a higher risk of developing cancer when compared to men who keep things tidy.

Similarly, some types of penile cancer are associated with the human papilloma virus, or HPV. This sexually transmitted disease causes warts to spring up on the penis, and men who contract HPV have a higher likelihood of developing cancer. Not everyone who gets HPV will get cancer, and not everyone who has cancer has HPV, but it is worth being aware of the fact. As with women, men can now receive a vaccine for HPV - in order to be effective, they should be vaccinated during the early teen years, before they become sexually active.

Keeping Cancer at Bay
Understanding that penile cancer is rare may help to ease the minds of many men. But it's reasonable for all men to use common sense and reduce their risk of developing this disease. Using protection during sexual encounters, for example, may help to lower a man's risk of developing HPV infection, and that might help some men to avoid cancerous changes.

Keeping clean is another important issue; and washing and grooming the penis offers a man the opportunity to really look over every inch of his tool and ensure that he doesn't find anything that deserves a doctor's attention.

After that thorough cleaning and inspection, a penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) can help to seal in vital moisture and ensure that sensitive tissues have the nourishment they need to function at an optimum level. A quality product also contains emollients that can keep skin soft, healthy, sensitive and supple.

Penis Bumps, Lumps and Lesions - Why the "Wait and See" Approach is Risky

The average male is intimately familiar with the topography of his penis, as this particular tool tends to receive a good deal of attention. While this hyper-vigilance sometimes leads men to panic over minor abrasions - or even perfectly normal variations in skin tone or texture - it is a good idea to pay attention to changes in the skin that might indicate a problem. Penis bumps, lumps, lesions or other marks that appear either suddenly or gradually should not be ignored, as they may be a sign of a disease that requires medical attention. Some common causes of penis bumps are discussed here, as well as some suggestions for penis care and disease prevention.

1. Fordyce spots - A large percentage of men have a number of skin-colored or pale bumps that dot the penile skin, and many men are extremely concerned about their appearance. While only a trained medical professional can tell for sure, a scattering of bumps like this may be nothing more than Fordyce spots, or enlarged follicles. These are common, natural and harmless, and in most cases, they are much more noticeable to the owner of the penis than to any potential partner.

2. Penis warts - Warts in the private area are typically caused by a virus known as HPV - human papillomavirus. This is the same microbe that is responsible for warts on other parts of the body, as well as skin tags and similar fleshy growths. HPV warts on the penis are caused by a specific strain of the virus, and they are highly transmittable. Because the presence of HPV has been linked to cancer, particularly in women, men who have warts should take care not to exposure their partner. The virus itself typically clears up on its own, although this can take months or even years.

3. Herpes - Open sores or blisters on the head or shaft of the penis may be an indication of herpes, an STD that is highly contagious and, at present, incurable. Medications are necessary to control herpes outbreaks, but even when there are no sores present, the disease can be transmitted to a partner.

4. Cancer - Bumps or sores that do not heal, or that grow or change in appearance, can be an indication of cancer. Any unusual skin growths should be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible after they are discovered, since early treatment is key to a successful cure.

All-around Care and Maintenance
 
While there are no guarantees or sure-fire tricks when it comes to avoiding unpleasant penis problems, men can take proactive measures in order to keep the member in top form. Using barrier protection such as a condom for each and every encounter is the first line of defense, helping to protect against diseases such as HPV and herpes.

Washing carefully every day, and also after any intimate contact, should also be part of a man’s routine, and guys can take an extra step in preventing STDs by urinating right after oral contact or intercourse - this flushes out the urethra and may eliminate harmful microbes before they can take hold.

Adding a top-drawer penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) that is fortified with antibacterial vitamin A, as well as disease-fighting vitamins C and D, can provide an additional layer of defense against disease. High-quality moisturizers such as Shea butter, added to a nourishing health creme, improves the tone and texture of the skin and boosts its resistance to disease and environmental hazards. Applying a creme like this directly after a bath or shower, while the skin is warm and absorbent, is an excellent way to guard against potential penis problems.

Penis Warts: Common Myths Debunked

Tiny, fleshy, cauliflower-shaped penis warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). This is one of the most common infections among sexually active adults, according to experts, but misinformation about HPV and penis warts remains distressingly high. That ignorance could be dangerous, as men who know very little about HPV could be exposing themselves, and their partners, to unnecessary risk. Reading up about warts and penis care might not be the most pleasant way to spend time, but men who do so may be making an investment in their future health.

Myth 1: Condoms Provide Complete Protection.

While it's true that condoms can provide a layer of protection from HPV, they certainly can't be relied upon to deliver complete safety from penis warts, as the infection can take hold in the skin at the base of the penis, as well as other patches of skin lurking nearby. A condom only provides a sliver of protection, and even then, a little slipping and sliding during sex could expose skin to infected cells.

Myth 2: It's Easy to Spot an Infection.

Virus cells are incredibly small, and not all skin that's infected begins to blossom into a wart. Sometimes, infected skin looks just like healthy skin, and even doctors need to perform sophisticated tests in order to discern whether or not a person has HPV in the absence of warts.

Myth 3: An Infection Lasts a Lifetime.

It's easy for men with penis warts to feel despondent and low, and they may believe that they'll be inflicted with bumps for the rest of their days, as they huddle in their rooms, alone and friendless. Thankfully, there's no call for such dramatics. The human immune system is quite powerful, and often, HPV cells are neutralized within about 6 months to 2 years. This isn't always the case, as readers will discover a little later in this article, but the power of the immune system can be an immense ally in the fight against most types of HPV.

Myth 4: After Treatment, a Man Isn't Contagious.

A man who doesn't want to wait months or years for an infection to clear can visit a doctor and obtain medial treatments that can burn, melt or otherwise blow those penis warts away. Once they're gone, however, traces of the virus might still be left behind. Again, the infection can linger inside skin that seems perfectly healthy and normal, and if this skin isn't also treated with medications, it could be harboring cells that could spring into new warts in the future.

Myth 5: Once Infected, a Man Can't Get Infected Again.

Unfortunately, there are hundreds and hundreds of different types of HPV, and the infection types don't tend to share notes with one another. It's quite possible to get one type of infection and then get a different strain later on in life.

Myth 6: A New HPV Infection in a Monogamous Couple Means Someone Has Cheated.

A man in a serious, exclusive sexual relationship may be shocked when penis warts erupt, and he may immediately assume that his partner has been engaging in some on-the-side activity with an infected person. It's an understandable assumption, but not  a guarantee, as some HPV infections linger inside the body for months or even years until they become powerful and produce symptoms.

Myth 7: All Penis Bumps are Due to HPV.

Some little lumps, bumps and penis sores look like HPV when they're really caused by other infections, blocked pores or even microscopic tears. A doctor's office is the best place to sort fact from fiction. If HPV or other STDs aren't to blame, a little self-care could be useful. By washing carefully and applying a penis health creme (most experts recommend Man1 Man Oil), men can keep the skin of the penis smooth and healthy, ready for pleasure at a moment's notice. This lotion can't prevent HPV or penis warts, but it can help a man smooth and soothe away other common causes of penis skin distress.

Caring For Your Man: How A Female Pap Test Could Prevent Penis Problems

The average woman must submit to uncomfortable, slightly embarrassing Pap tests on a regular basis. While they may resent the necessity, the results of these appointments may provide them with important information that can affect not only her health, but that of her male partner, as well. The sexually transmitted disease HPV can be detected in a Pap test, and a woman who tests positive for HPV should be sure to let her partner know about the potential impact on his penis health. 

The Importance of Honesty

HPV, or human papilloma virus, can be easily transmitted from one person to another through even casual contact. Some strains of the infection can cause flesh-colored bumps to form specifically on the genitals. Other forms of HPV don't cause warts at all, but these strains might cause cellular changes that can lead to cancer down the line. A woman with a positive HPV test should tell her partner the news as quickly as possible, because the virus can be passed from body to body even when there are no overt symptoms present. An honest conversation might be the only way a man knows he's at risk.

Staying Safe

After a frank discussion about HPV, men may dash to the bathroom to look for signs of penis warts, while others may admit to having outbreaks in the past. Any warts that are found can be treated with creams or other medical treatments, although some men may choose to leave the spots alone and hope they'll heal on their own. Men who don't have visible signs may choose to visit their doctors, just to find out more about what the infection might mean for their medical futures.

It's important to note that HPV bumps aren't the same as the lesions caused by herpes. HPV warts:

• Don't bleed

• Don't usually hurt

• Won't last forever

• Can be cleared by the immune system

Herpes, on the other hand, doesn't tend to fade away in time and the sores can be painful. Medications can help, but people with herpes might need to fight outbreaks multiple times throughout their lives. Doctors are adept at discerning the differences between these two types of lesions, even when people who have the spots can't quite tell what they have, and an appointment might help to put fears to rest.

When the nitty-gritty conversations about warts are over, couples will need to decide more intimate matters, such as whether or not they'll continue to have sex while one or both partners are infected. 

Wearing condoms might not completely protect either partner, as the virus may be present on areas of the skin that are left uncovered. It's also unclear how long partners might need to abstain from sex, as some people clear the infection in mere months, while others may wait a year or more before they are symptom-free.

Developing Good Habits

There is a vaccine available for HPV, and it's been approved for both men and women. The vaccine doesn't prevent all strains of HPV, so both men and women could develop genital warts even when they've been vaccinated, but the serious forms of HPV that have been closely related to cancer are typically included in the vaccine. Doctors can provide more information on whether the vaccine could be beneficial or recommended for people who might already be exposed to HPV.

While healthy skin isn't necessarily protective against HPV, men who have good penis health care habits might be more likely to spot changes that could indicate an STD or other health issues. Examining the penis each day for unusual skin growths or lesions can help to nip problems in the bud. In addition, nourishing the skin with a penis health crème (health experts recommend Man 1 Man Oil) containing vitamins to support immune function and proper cell regrowth can help to protect against infection and other diseases.