HPV in men — symptoms, diagnosis and when to see a doctor?

Medical author: Jakub Krukowski, MD, PhD, urologist and andrologist — subject to authorisation before publication · Editorial preparation: Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej Editorial Team · Medical review: Jakub Krukowski, MD, PhD — to be confirmed before publication · Date created: 10 July 2026 · Review date: to be completed after authorisation · Updated: 10 July 2026

This article is educational and does not replace a urology, dermatology or venereology consultation. A rapidly growing lesion, ulceration, bleeding, hardening, pain, a non-healing wound, enlarged groin lymph nodes or a lesion with an unusual appearance requires urgent medical assessment.

Key information at a glance

• HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a very common infection transmitted mainly through intimate skin-to-skin contact.
• In many men, HPV causes no symptoms and may go unnoticed.
• A visible symptom of HPV may be genital warts—papillary, irregular lesions around the penis, foreskin, glans, scrotum, perineum or anus.
• Not every bump on the penis is HPV. Pearly penile papules, Fordyce spots, milia, fibromas, inflammatory lesions, fungal infections or other skin conditions may look similar.
• There is no routine, universally recommended HPV test for every man that definitively determines an overall “HPV status”. Diagnosis in men is based mainly on clinical examination of visible lesions.
• A swab or HPV test from a specific site may be considered in selected situations, but a negative result does not necessarily exclude infection elsewhere.
• Genital warts are usually not cancer, but they should be assessed because they must be distinguished from other lesions.
• Removing genital warts removes visible lesions but does not guarantee complete elimination of HPV from the body. Recurrence is possible.
• Condoms reduce the risk of HPV transmission but do not provide 100% protection because the virus can spread through contact with skin not covered by the condom.
• HPV vaccination is preventive—it reduces the risk of infection with selected HPV types, genital warts and some HPV-related cancers, but it does not treat existing lesions.

Learn more about the specialist

Jakub Krukowski, MD, PhD, is a urologist and andrologist at Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej in Gdańsk. He diagnoses and treats conditions of the urinary and genital systems, provides andrology care and performs urological procedures, including aesthetic, reconstructive and regenerative urology. His scope of practice on the WMP website includes removal of penile genital warts and diagnosis of intimate-area problems.

Meet Jakub Krukowski, MD, PhD

Does this topic make sense for SEO, AI and Google Search?

Yes. Patients often search for questions such as: “HPV symptoms in men”, “can a man have HPV”, “what does HPV look like on the penis”, “warts on the penis”, “genital warts in men”, “HPV test for men”, “is HPV dangerous in men”, “HPV and female partner”, “are genital warts cancer”, “HPV vaccination for men” and “HPV urologist Gdańsk”. This blog addresses these intentions educationally and guides patients to consultation, but does not replace a service page about lesion removal.

For HPV content, E-E-A-T is especially important: a medical author, update date, sources, non-stigmatising language, explanation of the lack of routine HPV testing for men, differentiation of genital warts from benign lesions and clear guidance on when a lesion requires urgent assessment.

What is HPV?

HPV stands for human papillomavirus. There are many types of HPV. Some are described as low-risk types and may cause genital warts. Other types are considered high-risk because persistent infection may increase the risk of certain cancers, including cervical cancer in women, but also anal, penile and some throat cancers in men.

HPV is transmitted mainly through intimate skin-to-skin contact, including vaginal, anal and oral sex. Transmission may also occur without penetrative intercourse if infected skin or mucous membranes come into contact with a partner’s intimate area.

HPV infection is not a reason for shame or evidence of anyone’s “fault”. It is very common. The challenge is that it is often asymptomatic, so a patient may not know when or from whom the infection was acquired.

HPV in men — what symptoms can it cause?

In many men, HPV causes no symptoms. A patient may have been exposed to the virus without seeing any skin changes. When symptoms occur, they are most often papillary lesions in the genital or anal area.

Possible HPV symptoms in men include:

• one or multiple warts on the penis,
• irregular, cauliflower-like lesions on the foreskin, glans or shaft of the penis,
• lumps around the frenulum, urethral opening or coronal sulcus,
• lesions on the scrotum, groin, perineum or around the anus,
• itching, burning or irritation, although genital warts may also be painless,
• bleeding when a lesion is irritated, for example after shaving or intercourse,
• recurrence after previous treatment.

Genital warts may appear weeks or months after contact with the virus. It is usually impossible to determine the exact time of infection.

Is every bump on the penis HPV?

No. This is one of the most important points for patients. Not every bump, spot or irregularity on the penis means HPV. Many intimate-area lesions are benign, anatomical or inflammatory and are not contagious.

Conditions that may be confused with genital warts include:

• pearly penile papules — usually small, symmetrical, pale papules around the corona of the glans and a normal anatomical variant,
• Fordyce spots — visible sebaceous glands, often appearing as small pale or yellowish dots,
• milia and small epidermal cysts,
• fibromas or other benign skin lesions,
• balanitis or inflammation of the foreskinfungal or bacterial infections
• genital herpesfungal or bacterial infections
• — more often causing painful blisters or erosions,syphilis
• or other sexually transmitted infections, precancerous or cancerous lesions
• — especially when a lesion is hard, ulcerated, bleeding or non-healing.An online photograph is therefore not enough for diagnosis. A urologist or dermatovenereologist assesses the shape, location, surface, growth rate, symptoms and risk factors. Dermoscopy, STI testing or a biopsy of a suspicious lesion may sometimes be needed.

What do genital warts look like?

Genital warts are one visible form of HPV infection. They are usually soft, irregular, papillary lesions. They may be single or multiple, small or larger, flat or cauliflower-like.

In men, they may appear:

on the foreskin,

• on the glans,
• in the coronal sulcus,
• near the frenulum,
• on the shaft of the penis,
• on the scrotum,
• in the groin,
• on the perineum,
• around the anus,
• less commonly near the urethral opening.
• The lesions may be painless, which sometimes causes patients to delay consultation. However, genital warts may grow, spread locally, recur and be transmitted to a partner.

Can a man take an HPV test?

This is one of the most common questions. The answer requires caution: there is no routine, universally recommended HPV test for every man that clearly determines an overall “HPV status”. HPV may be present locally, and a result from one area does not necessarily reflect another.

In men, diagnosis of visible lesions is usually based on clinical examination. The doctor inspects the lesion and determines whether it resembles a genital wart, pearly penile papules, Fordyce spots, inflammation, herpes, syphilis, a pigmented lesion or something requiring biopsy.

Molecular HPV tests using swabs may be available in some laboratories or used in selected situations, but they are not the same as routine screening in men. A negative result does not completely exclude previous or current HPV exposure, and a positive result does not automatically indicate when infection occurred or whether symptoms will develop.

What does medical diagnosis of HPV in men involve?

Diagnosis begins with a discussion and examination. The doctor asks how long the lesion has been visible, whether it is growing, painful, itchy or bleeding, whether similar lesions occurred before, whether a partner has been diagnosed with HPV, genital warts or abnormal cervical screening, and whether other STI symptoms are present.

Depending on the situation, the doctor may recommend:

clinical examination of lesions on the penis, scrotum, perineum or around the anus,

• assessment of whether the lesion has a typical genital-wart appearance,
• differentiation from pearly penile papules, Fordyce spots, herpes, syphilis, fungal infection or other skin lesions,
• testing for other sexually transmitted infections when indicated,
• dermatology or venereology consultation when the appearance is unclear,
• anoscopy or proctological assessment for perianal lesions,
• biopsy if a lesion is unusual, ulcerated, bleeding, hard, pigmented or non-healing,
• discussion of HPV vaccination if the patient has not been vaccinated and may benefit.
• Good diagnostics means not treating every bump as HPV while also not dismissing lesions that may require treatment or biopsy.

HPV in men and a female or male partner

A diagnosis of HPV or genital warts in a man often creates tension in a relationship. It is important to state clearly that HPV may remain asymptomatic for a long time, and it is usually impossible to determine when or from whom infection occurred. A positive result or the appearance of genital warts is not proof of infidelity.

If a man is diagnosed with genital warts, a female partner should continue regular gynaecological prevention according to recommendations, including cervical screening, HPV testing or colposcopy when indicated. A partner with intimate-area symptoms should see an appropriate specialist.

Until visible lesions have been assessed and treated, sexual activity, transmission risk and condom use should be discussed with a doctor. Condoms reduce risk but do not eliminate it completely.

Is HPV dangerous in men?

Many HPV infections resolve spontaneously and do not lead to serious consequences. In some people, however, the infection may persist. Low-risk types may cause genital warts, which can be troublesome, contagious and recurrent. High-risk types are associated with certain cancers, including cancer of the penis, anus and oropharynx.

The risk of HPV-related problems may be greater in people with reduced immunity, men who have anal sex, people with multiple sexual partners, smokers, patients with recurrent lesions or chronic inflammation. This does not mean that every patient with HPV will develop cancer. It means that concerning or unusual lesions require assessment.

When should you see a urologist?

It is worth seeing a urologist when a new lesion appears on the penis, scrotum, foreskin, glans, perineum or around the anus. There is no need to wait until it grows or becomes painful. Early assessment makes it easier to distinguish HPV from other causes and plan management.

Consultation is particularly recommended when:

papillary lesions appear on the penis, foreskin, glans or scrotum,

• lesions grow, multiply or recur,
• a lump bleeds, hurts, itches or interferes with intercourse,
• a lesion is near the urethral opening or makes urination difficult,
• a partner has been diagnosed with HPV, genital warts or abnormal test results,
• the patient has reduced immunity,
• the patient is unsure whether it is HPV, pearly penile papules, Fordyce spots or another lesion,
• the patient is considering lesion removal or HPV vaccination.
• When does a lesion require urgent assessment?

Not every penile lesion is dangerous, but some symptoms should prompt faster consultation. Urgent assessment is required for:

an ulcer or wound that does not heal,

• a hard, infiltrating or rapidly growing lesion,
• bleeding without obvious injury,
• pain, burning or difficulty urinating,
• a pigmented, black, bluish or irregular lesion,
• enlarged groin lymph nodes,
• purulent discharge, fever or severe inflammation,
• extensive genital warts spreading rapidly,
• recurrent lesions in a person with reduced immunity,
• any lesion whose appearance is not typical of genital warts.
• In these situations, do not use products found online, burn lesions yourself or wait for them to “go away on their own”. Specialist assessment is required.

How are genital warts treated in men?

Treatment depends on the number, location and size of lesions, recurrences, symptoms, immune status and patient preferences. The aim is to remove visible lesions, reduce symptoms and limit further spread. However, it cannot be promised that HPV will disappear completely from the body after wart removal.

Depending on the situation, treatment options include:

topical treatment selected by a doctor,

• cryotherapy,
• laser removal,
• electrocoagulation,
• surgical removal of single or larger lesions,
• biopsy or diagnostic excision of unusual lesions.
• The method should be chosen after diagnosis. Treating “blindly” may damage the skin, cause scarring, delay diagnosis of another disease or make later assessment more difficult.

Can genital warts return after treatment?

Yes, recurrence is possible. Treatment removes visible lesions, but HPV may remain in the skin or mucous membranes. In some patients, new lesions appear after weeks or months, especially when infection is active, immunity is reduced or further exposures occur.

Recurrence does not automatically mean that treatment was performed incorrectly. It means that the condition may recur and requires follow-up. Prevention, vaccination, partner assessment and testing for other sexually transmitted infections should also be discussed.

HPV vaccination for men

HPV vaccination is preventive. It protects against selected HPV types, including types responsible for most genital warts and some HPV-related cancers. It is most effective when given before exposure to HPV, meaning before sexual activity begins.

Vaccination does not treat existing genital warts or eliminate an active infection. However, it may reduce the risk of infection with vaccine-covered HPV types to which the patient has not yet been exposed. In an adult man, the decision should be discussed individually with a doctor, considering age, vaccination history, sexual activity and risk of future exposure.

Poland has a free HPV vaccination programme for girls and boys in specified age groups. Current reimbursement and eligibility rules should be checked on the official pacjent.gov.pl website or with a primary care doctor.

How can the risk of HPV infection be reduced?

The risk of HPV cannot be completely eliminated in a sexually active person, but it can be reduced. The main preventive measures include:

HPV vaccination if the patient is eligible and the doctor considers it appropriate,

• condom use, which reduces but does not eliminate risk,
• avoiding sexual contact when active genital warts or untreated lesions are visible,
• limiting the number of sexual partners,
• regular gynaecological prevention for female partners,
• seeking medical advice about skin lesions instead of treating them independently,
• testing for other STIs after a risky event or when symptoms occur,
• stopping smoking, which may impair local immunity and increase the risk of persistent HPV-related lesions.
• Common myths about HPV in men

“HPV only affects women.”

• No. Men also acquire HPV and may develop genital warts and HPV-related diseases. “No symptoms means no HPV.”
• No. HPV may be asymptomatic. “Every bump on the penis is HPV.”
• No. Many lesions are benign or anatomical, such as pearly penile papules or Fordyce spots. “Genital warts are cancer.”
• No. Genital warts are usually caused by low-risk HPV types, but they should be assessed and treated. “Removing genital warts removes HPV from the body.”
• Not always. It removes visible lesions, but recurrence is possible. “A condom provides 100% protection.”
• No. It reduces risk, but HPV can spread through skin not covered by the condom. “A positive HPV result means infidelity.”
• No. HPV may remain asymptomatic for a long time, and the time of infection usually cannot be determined. “The vaccine treats existing warts.”
• No. Vaccination is preventive, not a treatment for existing lesions. Do you have a wart, bump or another lesion on your penis?

Do not immediately assume that it is HPV—but do not treat it yourself either. A urology consultation helps distinguish genital warts from benign lesions and select safe management.

Urology consultation

At Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej, Jakub Krukowski, MD, PhD, sees patients with urological and andrological problems and lesions in intimate areas. When HPV or genital warts are suspected, the most important step is proper assessment: whether the lesion really resembles a genital wart or may instead be a pearly penile papule, Fordyce spot, inflammation, infection or another skin condition.

If the diagnosis indicates genital warts, the doctor can discuss available treatment methods, possible recurrence, sexual activity, prevention, vaccination and the need for testing for other sexually transmitted infections. The current scope of services, doctor availability, prices and preparation for the appointment should be confirmed with reception.

Learn more about Jakub Krukowski, MD, PhD

Urology Spots and bumps on the penis What should you ask a urologist if HPV is suspected?

Does my lesion look like a genital wart?

• Could it be a pearly penile papule, Fordyce spot or another benign lesion?
• Do I need testing for other sexually transmitted infections?
• Would a swab or HPV test from a specific site be useful in my case?
• Does the lesion require a biopsy?
• What are the treatment options for genital warts, and which are appropriate for me?
• Can the lesions recur after treatment?
• Should I inform my female or male partner?
• Should I avoid sexual intercourse until treatment is completed?
• Does HPV vaccination make sense at my age and in my situation?
• Which symptoms should prompt an urgent appointment?
• When should I return for follow-up?
• FAQ — HPV in men

Can a man have HPV?

Yes. Men also acquire HPV. Infection may be asymptomatic or cause genital warts around the genitals or anus.

What does HPV look like in men?

A visible form of HPV may be papillary, irregular lesions known as genital warts. They may occur on the penis, foreskin, glans, scrotum, perineum or around the anus.

Does the absence of symptoms mean that a man does not have HPV?

No. HPV in men is often asymptomatic. The absence of warts does not exclude previous or current exposure to the virus.

Is there an HPV test for men?

There is no routine, recommended HPV test for every man that clearly determines overall HPV status. Diagnosis of visible lesions is based mainly on clinical examination, with additional tests considered individually.

Is every bump on the penis HPV?

Is every bump on the penis HPV?

No. Genital warts may be confused with pearly penile papules, Fordyce spots, milia, infections, inflammation, herpes, syphilis or other skin lesions. If in doubt, see a urologist.

Are genital warts cancer?

Usually not. Genital warts are most often associated with low-risk HPV types. However, they should be assessed and treated, while unusual, bleeding or non-healing lesions may require biopsy.

Does removing genital warts eliminate HPV?

Removing genital warts eliminates visible lesions but does not guarantee complete removal of HPV from the body. Recurrence is possible, so follow-up and prevention are important.

Do condoms protect against HPV?

Condoms reduce the risk of HPV transmission but do not provide 100% protection because the virus may spread through contact with skin not covered by the condom.

Does HPV vaccination make sense for men?

Yes. Vaccination may reduce the risk of infection with selected HPV types, genital warts and some HPV-related cancers. It works best before exposure to HPV. Adults should discuss the decision with a doctor.

When does HPV in a man require urgent consultation?

Urgent assessment is required for a rapidly growing, hard, ulcerated, bleeding, painful, pigmented or non-healing lesion, enlarged groin lymph nodes or a lesion in a person with reduced immunity.

Who provides consultations for HPV and genital warts in men at WMP?

On the WMP website, Jakub Krukowski, MD, PhD, is described as a urologist and andrologist who diagnoses conditions of the urinary and genital systems and performs urological procedures, including removal of penile genital warts.

Sources for medical and editorial verification

• Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej, Jakub Krukowski, MD, PhD: https://www.wyspamedycynyprzyjaznej.pl/en/jakub-krukowski-urolog-gdansk
• Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej, spots and bumps on the penis: https://www.wyspamedycynyprzyjaznej.pl/en/plamki-i-grudki-na-penisie
• Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej, pearly penile papules: https://www.wyspamedycynyprzyjaznej.pl/en/grudki-perliste-na-penisie-blog
• CDC, About Genital HPV Infection: https://www.cdc.gov/sti/about/about-genital-hpv-infection.html
• CDC, Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Safety: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safety/vaccines/hpv.html
• CDC, Preventing HPV-Associated Cancers: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/hpv/preventing-hpv-associated-cancers.html
• CDC, HPV Vaccine Recommendations: https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/hcp/vaccination-considerations/index.html
• NHS, Genital warts: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/genital-warts/
• NHS Inform, Genital warts: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/sexual-and-reproductive/genital-warts/
• BASHH, United Kingdom National Guideline on the Management of Anogenital Warts 2024: https://www.bashh.org/_userfiles/pages/files/resources/agw_2024.pdf
• IUSTI-Europe, 2019 European guideline for the management of anogenital warts: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32735077/
• Pacjent.gov.pl, HPV vaccination for your child: https://pacjent.gov.pl/aktualnosc/szczepienie-przeciw-hpv-dla-twojego-dziecka
• Pacjent.gov.pl, vaccination schedule for children and adolescents for 2026: https://pacjent.gov.pl/aktualnosc/kalendarz-szczepien-dzieci-i-mlodziezy-na-2026-rok
• Google Search Central, Creating helpful, reliable, people-first content: https://developers.google.com/search/docs/fundamentals/creating-helpful-content
• Google Search Central, Article structured data: https://developers.google.com/search/docs/appearance/structured-data/article
• Google Search Quality Rater Guidelines: https://guidelines.raterhub.com/searchqualityevaluatorguidelines.pdf