Understanding HPV in Men: A Review of the Prevalence, Risk Factors, Health Outcomes, Transmission, Diagnostics, and Vaccination Strategies

Background/Objectives: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted viral infection worldwide, with an estimated 630 million people currently infected, and poses significant health risks for men. While many will naturally clear the infection within a couple of years, persistent cancerous HPV strains are linked to several oncological diseases. The aim is to synthesize existing research on HPV in men to better understand its prevalence, risk factors, associated health outcomes, transmission dynamics, diagnostics, and vaccination strategies. Methods: A non-systematic narrative review was conducted, utilizing relevant studies published between 2010 and 2025 identified using multiple databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar) and official health/vaccine websites. Results: Approximately one-third of men globally carry genital HPV, and approximately one-fifth carry one or more high-risk HPV types. Prevalence peaks in younger men but remains high throughout all ages. Key risk factors include sexual behavior, circumcision status, condom use, HIV, smoking, lower education, and vaccination status. More than 80% of infections are asymptomatic, and many men remain unaware due to lack of recommended screening. Emerging strategies focus on high-risk groups, using anal Pap smears and HPV DNA testing. Vaccination in males shows high efficacy, especially when administered before exposure, supporting expanded vaccination programs for all genders. However, global HPV vaccination coverage in men remains suboptimal. Strategies to improve uptake include provider recommendations, education, tailored campaigns, school programs, reminder systems, cost reduction, catch-up vaccination, and open communication. Conclusions: Expanding male-targeted prevention is critical to reducing the global burden of HPV-related diseases.