Protected Sex, Still Got an STD, How Is That Possible
Quick Answer: HPV absolutely affects men. While there’s no routine screening for HPV in males, the virus can cause genital warts and cancers, especially anal and throat cancer. Men can carry and transmit HPV without symptoms. Testing and vaccination are both worth exploring.
Myth #1: “HPV Is Just a Women’s Issue”
This is one of the most dangerous misconceptions keeping men from getting informed, or tested. While HPV is most commonly linked to cervical cancer, it’s also a major driver of several cancers in men. According to the CDC, HPV causes approximately 70% of oropharyngeal cancers (throat, base of tongue, and tonsils) in men. In fact, these cancers are now more common in men than cervical cancer is in women in some countries.
Genital warts are just the surface. Beneath that lies a complex reality: men can silently carry high-risk HPV strains for years. And because there's no routine HPV screening for most men, many don’t know they’ve been exposed or could pass it on.
If you've ever had oral sex, unprotected vaginal or anal sex, or even close skin-to-skin contact in the genital area, you’ve had potential exposure. This isn’t about assigning blame, it’s about knowing the risks and protecting your future partners (and yourself).
People are also reading: Condoms Cover Genitals, Not Everything Else: The Skin-to-Skin STD Problem
Myth #2: “If I Don’t Have Warts, I Don’t Have HPV”
Let’s be clear: most people with HPV, especially men, have no visible symptoms. No itching, no bumps, nothing to raise alarm. That’s what makes HPV such a stealthy virus. Genital warts are caused by low-risk strains of HPV, but the high-risk strains, the ones that can lead to cancer, often show no signs at all.
In fact, a 2023 study in the journal Sexually Transmitted Diseases found that up to 65% of men with high-risk HPV strains were completely asymptomatic. Many only discovered their status after a partner tested positive or they developed symptoms of a related cancer.
That means relying on symptoms is a false safety net. No bumps ≠ no virus. The only way to confirm your status is to test, and if you're not testing, you're assuming, and that’s where harm starts.
Figure 1. Myth vs. Reality breakdown for asymptomatic HPV in men. Warts are just the tip of the iceberg, most carriers never see a thing.
Myth #3: “Men Can’t Get Tested for HPV”
There’s some truth in the confusion, but not enough to justify inaction. It’s accurate that there’s no FDA-approved HPV test for men for general screening like there is for women. But there are still testing options:
• Some clinics offer anal Pap smears for men who have sex with men (MSM) or those living with HIV, groups with higher HPV risk.
• At-home test kits for HPV in men do exist in some markets (especially Europe), and some U.S. telehealth providers offer swab-based testing for research or off-label use.
• And importantly, if you have visible symptoms or lesions, your doctor can collect samples for testing specific HPV strains.
STD Test Kits offers discreet options for other STDs that may co-occur with HPV, including Chlamydia and Herpes. Even if you can’t test directly for HPV at home, knowing your full sexual health status matters.
Myth #4: “If I Use Condoms, I’m Protected from HPV”
Condoms are helpful, but they don't always work. HPV spreads through skin-to-skin contact, unlike STDs like chlamydia or gonorrhea, which spread through fluids. That means that even if you always use condoms, the base of the penis, the testicles, or the perineum can still get or give the virus.
According to the CDC, consistent condom use reduces the risk of HPV by about 70%. But that remaining 30% is where most people let their guard down. Oral sex, manual sex, and even genital contact without penetration are all potential routes of transmission.
Condoms are smart and should always be part of your safer sex strategy, but don’t let them be your only defense. Testing, vaccination, and open conversations with partners offer even stronger protection.
Myth #5: “Only Promiscuous Guys Get HPV”
This isn’t just wrong, it’s dangerously stigmatizing. The reality? Most sexually active people will get HPV at some point in their lives. A 2021 review published in The Lancet found that over 80% of men will acquire at least one type of HPV in their lifetime, often within the first few years of becoming sexually active.
And it doesn’t take “promiscuity.” One partner is enough. Oral sex one time. A single encounter in college. HPV is so common that calling it a “dirty” disease completely misses the point, and fuels the shame that keeps people from getting tested or vaccinated.
HPV is not a moral failure. It’s a biological reality. And treating it that way saves lives.
Myth #6: “I Got the Vaccine Late, So I’m Fine Now”
The HPV vaccine is one of the best tools we have to prevent future cancers, but it’s not a retroactive shield. If you were already exposed to HPV before getting the vaccine, the shot won’t eliminate existing infections. It protects against new infections from the strains it covers.
That doesn’t mean it’s not worth getting. In fact, many men benefit from the vaccine even in their 20s and early 30s. But it’s a common myth that once you’ve had the shot, you can stop thinking about testing, symptoms, or transmission. That’s not how it works.
The vaccine is prevention, not treatment. If you’re already sexually active, it’s smart to get tested periodically and remain aware of subtle symptoms that could indicate a high-risk strain has taken hold, especially in the throat or anus, where signs are harder to detect.
Figure 2. The HPV vaccine is powerful, but not magical. It prevents future infections, not past ones. Testing and awareness still matter.
The Diagnosis He Never Saw Coming
Luis, 34, didn’t smoke. Didn’t drink much. Had been in a monogamous relationship for three years. When a hoarseness in his voice lasted over two months, he went in for a checkup. His ENT ordered a biopsy, and the result shocked him: HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer.
"I didn't even know guys could get HPV. I thought that was a Pap smear thing. It never crossed my mind that something like oral sex five years ago could come back like this."
Luis had never been tested for HPV. Never thought he needed to be. No warts. No STD talk from his doctor. It wasn’t until it turned into something life-threatening that he found out what he was carrying.
This is what silence breeds. HPV doesn’t always announce itself with symptoms, but it can change your life forever. The earlier you know, the more power you have.
Myth #7: “HPV Goes Away on Its Own, So Why Bother Testing?”
About 90% of HPV infections clear on their own within two years, according to the National Cancer Institute. But “usually” is not the same as “always.” That remaining 10%? It’s where problems begin. Persistent high-risk HPV can cause cellular changes that evolve silently into cancer over time.
The truth is, you won’t know if your body has cleared the virus unless you’re testing or being monitored. And if you're asymptomatic, you may unknowingly pass it on, restarting the cycle for someone else. Testing gives you insight. Vaccination gives you protection. Awareness gives you options.
Yes, many people will clear HPV naturally. But for some, the consequences of not knowing are irreversible. The stakes are simply too high to assume you’re fine.
People are also reading: How Safe Is Grinding? The STD Risk You Didn’t Think About
Myth #8: “HPV Can’t Affect My Mouth or Throat”
One of the most underrecognized risks for men is oral HPV. It’s the leading cause of oropharyngeal cancer in the U.S., particularly among cisgender men between ages 35 and 60. And it's not just a risk for those with multiple partners.
A 2022 study published in JAMA Otolaryngology found that men were six times more likely than women to have high-risk oral HPV. The common denominator? Unprotected oral sex and a lack of screening protocols.
There’s no Pap smear equivalent for the throat. That means early symptoms, like chronic sore throat, hoarseness, or a lump in the neck, often go ignored until the disease is advanced.
If you’re sexually active and have engaged in oral sex, you’ve been exposed to this risk. And if you smoke or drink regularly, that risk is even higher. Testing and awareness aren't about judgment, they're about staying alive.
How Long Can Men Carry HPV Without Knowing?
Figure 3. Timeline of HPV incubation and detection challenges in men. Testing varies by risk group and symptom presence.
FAQs
1. Can guys really get HPV from oral sex?
Yup, and it’s one of the main reasons throat cancer is on the rise in men. HPV doesn’t care if it was “just oral.” A single unprotected encounter can be enough to plant the seed, and you might not know for years. No shame, just facts.
2. Is there any way for men to test for HPV at home?
Not officially in the U.S., the FDA hasn’t cleared an at-home HPV test for men yet. But some off-label services and international labs do offer it, especially for anal HPV. In the meantime, you can still test for other STDs discreetly with an at-home combo kit. It’s a smart move if you’re trying to rule things out or start a convo with a provider.
3. I don’t have symptoms, how would I even know if I had HPV?
That’s the kicker: you probably wouldn’t. Most men never see a single sign. No warts. No itch. Nothing. That’s why it spreads so easily, and why waiting for symptoms is like waiting for a car alarm to go off in a silent neighborhood. Doesn’t mean the car’s not being stolen.
4. How long can HPV just chill in my body without doing anything?
For most folks, the immune system kicks it to the curb within a year or two. But in others, especially if you're immunocompromised or keep getting re-exposed, it can stick around. Quiet. Invisible. And if it’s a high-risk strain, that silence isn’t golden, it’s dangerous.
5. I got the vaccine late, am I still protected?
Probably partially, yes. The HPV vaccine protects you from new infections, not ones you already picked up. But it’s still worth it even in your 20s or early 30s. Think of it like locking your doors after you’ve moved in, sure, someone might’ve already walked through, but you’re keeping new intruders out.
6. Can HPV actually cause cancer in guys?
Yes. And not just “rarely.” In the U.S., HPV causes more throat cancers in men than cervical cancers in women. Let that sink in. It can also cause anal and penile cancers, especially in men who have sex with men or are HIV-positive. It’s not just a wart virus. It’s a cancer risk.
7. If I always use condoms, I should be good… right?
Condoms help a lot, but they don’t block everything. HPV lives on skin, not just in fluids. So areas condoms don’t cover (like the base of your penis or around your groin) are still fair game. Use them, yes, but don’t treat them like a force field.
8. What if I had HPV and it went away, can it come back?
Unfortunately, yeah. Some strains can go “dormant” and pop up again later, especially when your immune system is down. Think of it like that annoying friend who disappears for years and then texts you at 2AM out of nowhere. That’s HPV.
9. Can I give HPV to someone even if I feel totally fine?
Of course. This is one of the main ways the virus spreads. Not having symptoms doesn't mean you're not at risk. Even when everything seems fine on the outside, that's why testing, getting vaccinated, and talking to your partner are so important.
10. I’m nervous to get tested. What if I find something?
That fear is real, but here’s the truth: knowing is power. Most STDs are treatable. HPV doesn’t have a cure, but you can monitor it, protect partners, and stop it from turning into something worse.
Private Testing, Discreet Shipping, Real Answers
If you're afraid of being seen, recognized, or judged, know this: STD Test Kits is made for you. The packages that orders come in are not fancy. You take the test at home. You own your results until you decide to share them.
This isn’t about broadcasting your past. It’s about securing your future. You can explore combo kits, single tests, and guides on how to use each one properly. Whether you’re worried about symptoms, planning for a new relationship, or just trying to sleep better at night, there’s no shame in getting answers.
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How We Sourced This Article: We combined current guidance from leading medical organizations with peer-reviewed research and lived-experience reporting to make this guide practical, compassionate, and accurate. In total, around fifteen references informed the writing; below, we’ve highlighted six of the most relevant and reader-friendly sources.
Sources
1. National Cancer Institute: HPV and Cancer
3. HPV and Cancer – WHO Fact Sheet
4. Cancers Linked with HPV Each Year | CDC
5. HPV Infection: A Cause of Cancer in Men? | Mayo Clinic
6. HPV-Related Cancer in Men | Asexual Health
About the Author
Dr. F. David, MD is a board-certified infectious disease specialist focused on STI prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. He blends clinical precision with a no-nonsense, sex-positive approach and is committed to expanding access for readers in both urban and off-grid settings.
Reviewed by: Dr. Samantha Leigh, MPH | Last medically reviewed: September 2025
This article is for informational purposes and does not replace medical advice.