HPV Screening in Male Partners

Why Screening Is Not Recommended

The CDC explicitly states that HPV tests should not be used to screen men or partners of women with HPV, as there is no clinically validated HPV test for men 1, 2
Within an ongoing sexual relationship, both partners are usually already infected by the time one person is diagnosed with HPV, even if signs of infection are not apparent 3, 4
Most HPV infections clear spontaneously without causing health problems 4

Men should be examined for visible genital warts if present, but routine screening for asymptomatic HPV is not indicated, according to the CDC 1
Both partners should be screened for other STDs if one partner has genital warts or HPV-related conditions, as recommended by the CDC 1, 5, 6

A diagnosis of HPV in one partner does not indicate sexual infidelity in the other partner, as transmission is likely already occurred 3, 4
HPV is extremely common—most sexually active adults will acquire HPV at some point, highlighting the importance of prevention strategies 4
Correct and consistent condom use may lower chances of transmitting HPV, but is not fully protective since HPV can infect areas not covered by condoms, as noted by the CDC 1, 4
HPV vaccination can be considered for males aged 9-26 years, though it does not treat existing infection, according to the CDC 1

The CDC does not recommend routine HPV testing in immunocompetent men, as HPV tests are not useful for screening men, partners of women with HPV, or for conditions other than cervical cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 7, 8
No clinically validated test exists for men to determine if they have HPV infection; the most common manifestation in men is genital warts, as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 9

FDA-cleared HPV tests detect viral DNA or messenger RNA but are only cleared for use with cervical specimens, not oral or anal specimens, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 10
Testing for non-oncogenic HPV types (e.g., types 6 and 11) is not recommended, as it provides no clinical benefit, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 10

Testing for low-risk HPV types (6 and 11) provides no clinical benefit and should be avoided, as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 10
HPV testing should not be used to decide whether to vaccinate against HPV, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 10