What Every Guy Should Know About Penis Warts

When a man sees anything that comes close to resembling a wart on his penis, he might freak right out - and for good reason. Anything that mars the equipment not only has the opportunity to put a damper on his sex life, but the idea of genital warts can really make a man wonder where he got them, what it might mean for his future, and much more. It’s important to understand this rather common penis problem and how to handle the issue of penis warts if they do show up.

How common are penis warts?

Though penis warts might seem like a terrifying ordeal, they are actually quite common. Skin warts are caused by HPV, an extremely common virus that most people will be exposed to in their lifetime. In fact, there are over 70 strains of HPV, and though most of them show up with no symptoms at all, some of them do lead to penis warts.

The good news is that penis warts caused by HPV are not a life sentence. In most cases, the immune system fights back and gets rid of the warts within two years of their first appearance. However, the idea of living with warts on the penis for two years can be enough to make a man look for treatment alternatives.

How to treat penis warts

As with most penis problems, the best way to treat penis warts is to visit the doctor. Once there, a few treatments might be recommended:

1) Prescription creams. Many men will opt for prescription creams, which can lessen the appearance of warts while it helps to shrink them. It will still take a while for them to disappear, but the time a man must live with them can be shortened considerably.

2) Cryotherapy. Men who have dealt with other types of warts, such as those that commonly appear on the hands or feet, will be familiar with this treatment. It involves the use of liquid nitrogen to "freeze" the wart, thus killing it. The wart will then fall off within a short period of time.

3) Electric cauterization. In this treatment, a man is given a local anesthetic to numb any pain, then an electrical current is applied to the area of the wart. The result is killing the wart and just as with the liquid nitrogen, the problem should clear up rather quickly.

4) Watch and wait. Though most men will not like to hear this as an option, many doctors will choose the "watch and wait" policy when it comes to penis warts. This is especially indicated if a man has other problems that might mean he shouldn’t undergo treatments, such as an underlying medical condition that might make the treatments dangerous for him. In this case, a man will want to do everything he can to boost his immune system in the hopes that it will take over and eradicate the warts sooner rather than later.

When a man has penis warts, it’s best to avoid sexual contact with anyone. This is because even if a man uses a condom, the HPV in his body can be alive and well on the skin elsewhere in the genital area, and that means he can pass the problem on to a partner even if they practice safer sex. HPV vaccinations might be helpful in lowering a man’s risk of contracting HPV again. And if a man does choose treatments rather than "watch and wait" methods, he will want to avoid sexual activity during the time it takes the body to heal.

No matter the penis problems a man might face, it pays to keep the penis in excellent health so it can better fight off penis warts and other issues. This can be helped along with a powerful penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) . In addition to a wealth of vitamins and nutrients, a guy can also look for a crème that contains alpha lipoic acid, which helps fight excess free radicals that can lead to premature aging of the skin.

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.

Penis Warts: How Long Do They Last?

For men with penis warts, time is the enemy. They want these bumps to go away, and they want that healing to start as soon as humanly possible. Unfortunately, without the right kind of penis care, warts can stick around longer than they should. And sometimes, even with the right care, they can last for longer than a guy ever imagined possible.
Here's what's going on.

The Lowdown
Most cases of penis warts are caused by a sexually transmitted disease known as the human papilloma virus, or HPV for short. This is an incredibly common virus, and in many people, the warts tend to come and go. That means people could be infected without even knowing it, as the virus might not be causing warts all of the time.

That hidden quality could also make it easy for men to get infected with HPV when they have sex with new partners. It's not always possible to tell who has the virus by a visual check, so men could get down and dirty before they're even aware of what they are exposing themselves to.
Once the virus is in place, it tends to put down roots and try to stay for good. Some strains of the virus result in infections and warts that stick around for months and months. Thankfully, there are treatments that can help. They often involve:

- Topical medications
- Surgical procedures
- Electrical current treatments
- Freezing treatments

Some of these steps dig deep into the roots of warts, which could make them go away for good. Topical treatments that involve the immune system, for example, could help the body to get rid of the infection that causes warts.

But some treatments only remove surface warts, which means the infection could just produce more bumps in time. Until the immune system finally recognizes the virus and fights it, warts may stick around.

The Best Solution
There are literally hundreds of different strains of the virus that causes penis warts. And each man's body works differently in terms of identifying the virus and fighting it. That's why it's best for men with penis warts to visit with doctors as soon as the little bumps appear.

A doctor can look over a man's overall health and determine the best course of action when it comes to dealing with this embarrassing problem. For some men, a conversation about warts might quickly become a conversation about curing those bumps. For others, a wart talk might turn into a monthly conversation and monitoring session, while the guy and his doctor wait to see what his body will do.

It's important to note, too, that some forms of penis bumps have been linked to cancer. A guy could get cancer on his sensitive body parts, or he could give that cancer-causing virus to a partner in an intimate moment. So warts aren't really just a cosmetic concern. They're also issues that could impact one and one’s partner’s long-term health, and possibly even their longevity. So warts should be taken seriously, and they should be dealt with by a doctor.

Once a man is wart-free, he'll likely be asked to pay more attention to the overall health of his penile skin. And a penis health cream (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) can help. These products nourish sensitive cells, so they have just what they need to heal. A daily application can do other great things, too, including reducing nasty penis odors and ensuring that the skin looks young and fresh. With the help of a product like this, the penis is bound to be healthier, look better and perform at tip-top capacity.

Penis Warts: One Man's Story of Infection and Recovery

Most men who have penis warts absolutely do not want to talk about the problem. It's unsightly, scary and more than a little embarrassing. Keeping the issue under wraps seems wise. But one man, who will be referred to as Andy, was willing to discuss his penis wart problem. He had a terrible case of bumps, but specific penis care steps resolved the issue for him. Here's what happened.

The Infection
"The whole problem began when I started seeing a new girlfriend," Andy says. "She told me that she had a problem with bumps down there, and I saw one or two when things got heated up, but I went ahead and had sex anyway. I figured I was healthy and it wouldn't matter."

"Boy, was I wrong," Andy says. "Within just a few weeks, I had lumps and bumps that were just as bad as hers, or worse. I felt so dumb that I hadn't protected myself better."

"When I found out that a sexually transmitted infection was causing these things, I was just beside myself with anger and worry," Andy says. "And I didn't want to do any of the treatments my doctor recommended. Burning them off? No thank you. I decided to just watch and wait, and see if they would go away."

Living with Warts
Andy took a very reasonable approach to his warts, as many cases of human papilloma virus (HPV) that cause penis bumps do go away with time. The immune system learns to recognize the virus as an invader, and when that happens, all the bumps a man might have can disappear. But it might take a long time for the virus to clear.

"Waiting was the worst thing in the world for me," Andy says. "I had split up with my girlfriend, so I didn't have a regular sex partner, but I didn't want to go out and find somebody new, either. I didn't want to give this to anyone else."

"Plus, the bumps were just gross," Andy says. "My whole dick looked like it had barnacles on it. Lumps and bumps were everywhere, and I couldn't stand it. Sometimes, it made me really depressed to even be naked."

"I checked in with my doctor regularly, and we both kept an eye on the warts," Andy says. "Every time I went in for an appointment, my doctor reminded me that I could get the things taken off. But I just wasn't ready to do that quite yet."

Treatment Options
If Andy had wanted to treat his warts, he could have used therapies that:
- Trigger the immune system to work faster
- Burn off the warts at skin level
- Cut out the warts at the root
- Freeze the warts off at skin level
But in a few weeks, his warts did go away.

"I would advise men like me to go see their doctors for help, even if they don't want to have treatments done," Andy says. "Apparently, some of these warts can cause cancer, so a doctor should really be in charge of things. I'm glad that didn't happen to me!"

Next Steps
Andy emerged healthy and happy, but he also learned a few important lessons.
"For starters, I listen to my partners a little better," Andy says. "If they tell me that they have bumps, we don't have sex. It's just that simple. And I always tell them about my history, just in case they don't want to have sex with me. I feel that being honest is extremely important."

Andy also uses a penis health cream (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) every day to keep his skin as soft and smooth as it can be. There's no virus protection in such a product, but it can help to boost overall member health in terms of skin condition, sensitivity and circulation.

Penis Warts: How to Stay Safe During Sexual Activity

Penis warts are often caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI) known as the human papilloma virus (HPV). The only way to be completely safe from becoming infected by this particular virus is to stay away from sex altogether. Without body-to-body contact, it's almost impossible to get HPV. But full and total abstinence isn't the right choice for all men. Sex is an important component of a healthy life for most people. Thankfully, there are some penis care steps men can follow to at least reduce their risk of becoming infected with HPV.

Consider Partners Carefully
Since HPV is spread through intimate contact, it makes sense for men to try to keep their partner list short. After all, each new body they interact with comes with a risk of invaders that could cause penis warts.

For some men, that means sticking with the same partner. Fooling around with outsiders is just too risky, so they find a great sex partner and stick with that person for good.

Those who do choose to get busy with a new body should have an in-depth conversation about STIs before the clothes come off. Men can ask their potential mates about any wart-like symptoms they've seen, and/or ask if the potential partner has ever been treated for anything that looks like warts.
Of course, the other person might not be honest. Not everyone is. But discussing the issue openly and honestly, long before the sex starts, is a smart way to make sure that the other person is at least more likely to disclose any wart history.

Choose Vaccination
There is a vaccine men can get that can prevent penis warts, and it's been approved for use in men 26 years of age and younger. Doctors must give the vaccine, so it's not something men can run to the store and buy, but it could be a smart move for men who are worried about their risk of penis warts.
Some doctors give the vaccine to boys as young as 11, so men should be sure that they haven't had the vaccine before. A quick peek at medical records should answer that question for most men.

Use Protection
Keeping the body protected during any and all sexual activity is yet another way to prevent penis warts. That means men should wear condoms when they:

- Receive oral sex
- Engage in vaginal sex
- Engage in anal sex
- Rub up against a partner's genitals

Condoms only protect the part of the body that they cover, so men who choose this type of protection may leave areas of their groins vulnerable to infection. But a condom can provide at least some shielding from HPV.

Watch Carefully
After a sexual encounter, especially if that play involves a new partner, men should be sure to keep watch over their intimate skin. Bits of irritation, small spots of swelling or tiny areas of discoloration could be signs that something was transmitted during sex, and such symptoms are good reasons to visit a doctor.

The human papilloma virus may be treatable, so when men do see these penis warts appearing, they can have a frank conversation with a medical professional about what they should do, and how the problem should be handled.

Men can make an inspection easier, and more beneficial, by adding in a penis health cream (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil). These products make penile tissues soft and smooth, so bumps are easier to feel and spot. And the ingredients in a quality product keep these vital tissues healthier and stronger, so they can feel and provide pleasure with ease.

Penis Warts - What It’s Like to Have Them and How to Cope

Penis warts are a painful and embarrassing problem, and they can be notoriously challenging to deal with. While they are not life-threatening, they can make it extremely difficult to have a normal sex life, and the right approach to penis care is essential. Unfortunately, most men who have experienced this problem are not about to discuss it with their friends and neighbors, so it can be hard for men with newly discovered warts to know what to do next - aside from the obvious visit to the doctor.
For men like this, it can be reassuring to hear from someone who has had a similar experience. A wart sufferer who we will call Adrian tells his story.

Sudden Appearance
Adrian became sexually active at a young age, and throughout his life, he was lucky with the ladies. As a result, he had many different sexual partners, and he wasn't always careful about using protection.

"I always considered myself pretty healthy and pretty lucky, so especially when I had been with a girl for a long time, I'd start to skip the condoms," he says. "Everything was fine for a while, but after we broke up and I started dating someone new, I noticed that I had a bunch of warts on my penis."
The warts came as a surprise to Adrian, because his new girlfriend had assured him that she had a clean bill of health, and he had not seen anything out of the ordinary.

Before he even saw a doctor about the problem, Adrian turned to the Internet to find out whether his suspicions about the bumps were correct.

"They looked like tiny, flesh-colored bites all along the base of my penis," he says. "They didn't hurt or bleed or anything, but they were sure ugly. And I had warts on my hands before, so I knew what they were as soon as I saw them."

A Visit With an Expert
 
Many men in Adrian’s situation are embarrassed about the idea of seeing a doctor and attempt to treat their warts at home with DIY techniques such as:

- Burning them;
- Snipping them off with scissors;
- Applying tea tree oil;
- Attempting over-the-counter wart removal oils.

"I didn't want to try anything stupid like that," Adrian explains "I’m not a big fan of pain, especially down there, and I was afraid of doing the wrong thing. I figured that a doctor could give me a good diagnosis and a treatment that wouldn't be so risky or painful. I made an appointment right away."

At his appointment, Adrian's doctor told him that the warts were probably caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), but that he could go through a biopsy in order to be sure. He chose to proceed with treatment as though he had HPV.

"I had several treatments with liquid nitrogen, and while it wasn't exactly comfortable, it didn't hurt as much as I expected it to," he says. "I also had a cream I applied at night to deal with the bumps that were left behind."

The treatments went on for several weeks, he says, and Adrian was encouraged to refrain from sex during that time. "I think that was the hardest part!" he says.

Moving Forward
Now that Adrian is bump-free, he is free to return to his old habits. But he's changed many things about his life. First of all, because he has had the warts, he is likely still a carrier for the virus, and chances are good that he could pass the condition on to another partner.

To avoid this issue, he says, "I always talk about STDs with my partners, for starters. I tell them about what happened to me in the past, and I ask about their health status. I don't want to go through this again or do it to someone else, so I'm just more careful. And I always, always, always wear a condom."

Adding a penis health crème could also be helpful for health-conscious men like Adrian. These products (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) can keep penile skin soft and smooth, so it can perform with ease and deliver intense pleasure, while the vitamins and minerals nourish vital tissues and slow down the signs of aging. A crème like this isn't a treatment for warts, and it can't prevent them but it could be a perfect compliment to a healthy lifestyle for any man.

Penis Warts - An Ounce of Prevention for Better Sexual Health

Penis warts are an unattractive addition to a man’s equipment, and most men would like to avoid contracting them. Although warts are most often harmless, they don’t give the impression that one has a healthy penis and can cause many a partner to withdraw from an encounter or relationship. Practicing good penis health can help to prevent penis warts and can also aid in treating those warts when they do occur.

The backstory
Penis warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which has been much in the news in recent years. HPV is thought to significantly increase the risk of a woman developing cervical cancer; the risk of anal cancer is also significantly increased with HPV. There is also another link, though less strong, to the development of penile cancer. None of this is to say that anyone who develops penis warts will get penis cancer; however, doctors should be aware of genital warts so that they can determine whether they need to keep an eye out for any possible symptoms that might indicate penis cancer could develop.

Genital warts, like all warts, are passed on by skin-to-skin contact. Though they do not cause pain by themselves, friction caused by rubbing against clothing or skin can irritate them and cause pain.


Not just genital warts
By the way, all warts are caused by HPV, not just the ones that are classified as genital warts; however, the type of HPV that causes genital warts is different than that which causes, say, a wart on the hand or on the toe. Except in some cases in which an individual has immune system issues, one type of wart can’t be passed to another part of the body. So, for example, if a man masturbates with a wart on his palm (and his immune system functions properly), he should not be able to pass the wart on to his penis.

However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does list the mouth as an area of infection for genital warts, although this is less common than in the genital area and the anus.

Treatment
Often a person can get HPV without any warts appearing; in most cases, when the warts do appear, the body’s immune system eventually defeats the virus and the warts then disappear on their own.
Other times, warts linger and the person who wants them removed needs to see a doctor to decide on the proper course of action. There are topical mediations (both prescription and over-the-counter) which can be used. Other methods for removal include freezing, burning and, in extreme cases, surgery.

Prevention
There are generally three recommended steps for keeping from catching genital warts:

- Get an HPV vaccination. It is recommended that all males and females get the vaccine between the ages of 9 and 26, and preferably before they become sexually active. Studies are still being conducted to see if the vaccine is reliably effective after the age of 26.

- Use condoms. Although not 100% effective, they can provide some protection against the spread of HPV.

- Don’t smoke. Studies show that smokers are more likely to get genital warts.

The majority of men who develop penis warts will not suffer any further negative health consequences, but they can be uncomfortable during sex and cause a sore penis. To soothe a sore penis, whatever the cause, regularly use a top drawer penis health cream (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil). The optimal cream will include a combination of moisturizers, such as vitamin E and Shea butter, for soothing relief. In addition, the cream needs to include a select antioxidant, such as alpha lipoic acid, to age in preventing premature penis cell aging.

Preventing Penis Warts - Understanding and Protecting against HPV

Genital warts are by far the most common type of sexually transmitted disease, affecting men and women alike. This widespread disease is caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus, or HPV - an infectious agent that can be found in every part of the world. While penis warts are not harmful in and of themselves, they can be easily transmitted to a sexual partner, and they can increase the risk for certain types of cancer. Because of this, it is important that men take care to avoid contact with the disease, and to take steps to prevent transferring it to a partner. The right approach to penis care and protection can help minimize the risk.

What is HPV?
Human papillomavirus refers to numerous strains of a common virus that can be found everywhere. Nearly every person will come in contact with some form of the virus at least once in their lifetime; however, not everyone will develop symptoms. HPV is responsible for warts on other parts of the body, as well; only some forms of the virus cause genital lesions.

Because it is so widespread and so easily transmittable, the only way an individual can guarantee they will not contract the virus is to abstain from all sexual activity. However, using a condom can provide substantial protection. Taking steps to prevent the disease is important, because HPV has been associated with an increased risk for cervical and penile cancers.

What are the symptoms?
The typical signs of HPV include penis warts (or, in women, vaginal warts) that are flesh-colored or whitish-gray in appearance. They may have a domed head, and they may develop a rough, cauliflower-like surface. The warts may appear singly or in clusters, and they may be accompanied by itching and mild soreness in the surrounding area.

It is very important to remember that not all people who are carrying the virus will develop symptoms, but anyone who has been exposed can transmit the disease to another person, whether they have warts or not.

Are penis warts always HPV?
Generally, warts on the penis are a sure sign of HPV. However, any unusual lesions should be checked by a trained medical professional, because other diseases can cause sores that are easily mistaken for warts - treating these sores appropriately depends on their source. A doctor can diagnose HPV by taking a skin biopsy - a small sample of tissue from the affected area.

How is HPV treated?
There is no cure for HPV, but in many cases, the warts will clear up with no interference at all. It is possible to remove the warts themselves. This should be done by a doctor, and the wart care products that are available at most pharmacies are not intended for use on the penis. Removing the warts does not eliminate the virus, and there is always a chance that they will grow back.

Extra TLC for the Penis
A man can never be too careful when it comes to protecting the penis, both from diseases and also from the ravages of daily life. While there is no substitute for using the proper protection during sex and making sure to keep up with yearly physical exams, a little TLC added to the daily penis care routine can help to make sure the manhood is as healthy as possible.

A daily washing is essential to remove built-up grime, sweat and body fluids that can irritate the skin and pave the way for infection. Once the area is clean, applying a penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) that is enriched with vitamins, antioxidants and natural emollients can help keep the skin well-moisturized and nourished. Doing so can prevent dry, cracked skin and make it more difficult for harmful microbes to penetrate. While a penis cream is not a substitute for a prescription medication, and it cannot prevent disease, it can go a long way toward boosting the skin’s natural defenses, as well as keep it looking smooth and supple.

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.

Penis Warts, Herpes or Acne – ID Hints for 3 Unsightly Problems

A quick online search of the men’s health forums will show that one of the biggest concerns men express relates to penis warts and herpes. This concern is understandable, since sexually-transmitted infections, or STIs, are highly contagious, increasingly prevalent, and in some cases incurable.

However, although a wart or blemish on the penis can certainly raise instant alarm, these bumps are often less sinister than they seem. Many men mistake simple skin problems such as acne for symptoms of an STI. Knowing what to look for can help men to tell the difference between conditions like penis warts, herpes and ordinary pimples; and following the appropriate penis health care measures can help to clear up minor blemishes, as well as reducing the risk of more serious infection.

Recognizing penis warts

Penis warts, or genital warts, are typically caused by a sexually transmitted infection known as human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV can present as single bumps or clusters of warts which may appear flesh-colored, whitish or grey in color. They generally have a dome-shaped surface which may be rough, and they do not normally contain a fluid that can be squeezed out. While they may cause some discomfort during sex, they generally don’t demonstrate any other symptoms. Genital warts can appear anywhere on the penis, scrotum, inner thighs or around the anus and are highly transmittable.

Furthermore, men and women can carry HPV without any visible symptoms, but anyone carrying the virus can pass it on to a partner. Regular testing for HPV is strongly urged for anyone who is sexually active. The virus has been linked to increased risk of penile and cervical cancer, so vaccination is often recommended.

Recognizing herpes

A large number of skin conditions can exhibit symptoms similar to those of herpes, so it is understandable that many people quickly assume the worst when these signs are present on the penis: fluid-filled blisters that may burst and scab over, small red sores, itching, and burning on urination are all indicators of genital herpes.

This disease is highly contagious, and anyone who is carrying the virus can spread it to a sexual partner, whether or not they are experiencing an outbreak. While the symptoms of herpes can be controlled to an extent, there is no known cure, so managing outbreaks becomes a lifetime need for anyone who is affected. It is recommended that anyone who experiences these symptoms be tested immediately; individuals who may be infected should abstain from sex until a firm diagnosis has been made.

Acne signs and symptoms

Acne can affect the skin of the penis as well as most other parts of the body. While it can present similar symptoms as infectious diseases, it is not contagious and cannot be transferred to another person. Acne is characterized by pus-filled bumps which may appear red and inflamed or have a white substance on the surface. Acne can appear as single blemishes, or several may occur within a small area on the skin.

This condition is caused by bacteria that are attracted to the oils and dead skin cells that may build up in the pores; outbreaks are often triggered by hormonal changes and occur most frequently in teens, although older men may experience them as well.

Daily care for the penis skin

Caring for the penis skin is essential in reducing the appearance of minor skin problems such as acne, as well as infected follicles, dry skin, stretch marks and other unwelcome imperfections. Attention to personal hygiene is essential, as daily washing can reduce the buildup of oils and dead skin cells that attract acne-causing bacteria.

Moisturizing can help to prevent over-drying of the skin and provide a moisture barrier against external invaders that can penetrate damaged dermal tissue and cause unsightly blemishes and marks.

Applying a penis nutrient cream  (most health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) containing ingredients such as vitamin A – for fighting acne and scarring; vitamin C – for building collagen and healthy dermal cells; and vitamin E – for smoothing the skin and protecting from dehydration may help to reduce the appearance of skin impurities and leave the penis feeling smooth, supple and responsive.

Penis Warts and Bumps – How to Tell if It’s Sebaceous Hyperplasia

Most men are intimately familiar with the topography of their penis and are aware of every bump, follicle, scrape and blemish. Not surprisingly, the development of any new or unusual lumps, spots or penis warts can be alarming and lead men to assume the worst about penis warts and STIs.

While sexually transmitted infection is always a concern for sexually active men, there are a multitude of other things that can go wrong. One such issue, known by the ominous-sounding name of sebaceous hyperplasia (SH), is actually quite benign and does not pose a threat to a man’s sexual health. However, identifying these blemishes is necessary in order rule out any other potential causes. The symptoms of SH are described here, along with some common-sense penis skin care suggestions.

What is sebaceous hyperplasia?

With the exception of the palms of the hands and the bottoms of the feet, the surface of the skin, which may appear smooth from a distance, is actually dotted with millions of tiny holes, or follicles. Most of these contain a hair shaft, and all of them contain tiny glands that produce a type of oil known as sebum. This substance is designed to lubricate the hair and skin and to provide waterproofing in mammals. Sebaceous hyperplasia is simply an overgrowth of these glands (known as sebaceous glands) around the hair follicle.

The enlarged glands occur mainly on the face and around the lips of older men and women, although they can also occur on the chest and other parts of the body. In younger men, they may occur on the shaft of the penis, or they may appear as warts on foreskin in uncircumcised men.

What are the symptoms of SH?

Sebaceous hyperplasia generally appears as puffy, yellowish bumps with a depressed center; on the penis, they may closely resemble genital warts. As previously noted, they may occur on the shaft or underneath the foreskin. While affected individuals may be concerned about their appearance, they rarely cause any other symptoms.

Is SH contagious?

Sebaceous hyperplasia is a normal genetic variation; it is not a disease, and it cannot be transferred to another person, including a sexual partner.

Can SH be cured?

Currently, there is no cure for SH. Treatment of SH is only carried out for cosmetic purposes, and most dermatologists recommend leaving them alone. Penis warts and bumps on other parts of the body may be removed by CO₂ cauterization, laser treatment or excision. However, these procedures may cause scarring, and they will not prevent the lesions from recurring.

Care and grooming of the penis skin

While there is no known method of preventing sebaceous hyperplasia of the penis, men can take steps to ensure that the penis skin is as healthy and attractive as possible. Washing daily can help to remove built-up body oils and dead skin cells that can further aggravate problem skin, especially in men who are uncircumcised. Keeping the skin moisturized is also important, as this prevents drying of the skin; dry skin has a tendency to develop small fissures, or cracks, that allow bacteria to penetrate.

Furthermore, men should keep in mind that any perceived abnormalities of the penis are probably more apparent to them than to a potential sexual partner. Having a conversation about the penis warts and letting a partner know that it is a benign, non-contagious condition is the best policy.

Adding a penis health cream (most health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) containing high quality moisturizers such as shea butter, as well as blemish-fighting nutrients such as vitamin A, to the daily personal care routine may help to improve the overall appearance of the skin, as well as leaving it soft and responsive to tactile stimulation.