HPV Symptoms in Women and Men: What to Look Out For
From Mascot Healthcare Clinic, Akoka (Yaba), Lagos
Hello Friend! One of the trickiest things about HPV (human papillomavirus) is that it usually causes no symptoms at all. Most people who carry it never know — which is exactly why it spreads so easily and why prevention is so important.
When There Are No Symptoms
In most cases the immune system clears HPV quietly over time. But certain high-risk types can persist silently and, over years, cause changes in the cells of the cervix that may lead to cancer. Because you cannot feel these changes, screening is the only way to catch them early.
Possible Signs in Women
- Genital warts — soft growths around the genitals or anus
- Unusual bleeding (for example, after intercourse) — a possible sign of cervical changes, which always needs review
- Abnormal results on a Pap smear, even without any symptoms
Possible Signs in Men
- Genital warts on the penis, scrotum or anal area
- Rarely, persistent changes linked to anal or throat cancers over time
Remember: not every bump is a wart, and warts can be confused with other harmless conditions. A proper check is the only way to know.
The best protection is to prevent infection in the first place with the HPV vaccine, and for women, to keep up Pap smear screening. Learn more in our complete HPV vaccine guide.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Lawal Taiye (MBBS, Ibadan) — Mascot Healthcare Clinic, Akoka, Lagos.