When most people think of Human Papillomavirus (HPV), they associate it with women’s health and cervical cancer. However, men can also carry and be affected by HPV, often without realising it. At Epicentre, we now offer HPV testing for men, helping to close a gap in sexual health screening and improve preventative care.
Why HPV Testing Matters for Men
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO, 2023) estimates that nearly 80% of sexually active men and women will contract HPV at some point in their lives. While most HPV infections clear naturally, certain high-risk strains can cause cancer.
For men, HPV is linked to several cancers, including:
• Anal cancer (around 90% of cases are HPV-related)
• Oropharyngeal/throat cancers (around 70%)
• Penile cancer (around 60%) (National Cancer Institute [NCI], 2022).
Research shows that men can act as silent carriers of HPV, transmitting the virus to partners even when they have no symptoms (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2023). This makes testing a vital step not only for men’s health but also for protecting partners.
How Men’s HPV Testing Works
Epicentre offers discreet and accurate swab- and urine-based HPV testing using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology. PCR is a type of nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), recognised as one of the most sensitive and reliable diagnostic methods for HPV and other sexually transmitted infections (Mayo Clinic, 2023).
Self-Collection Options
Studies have confirmed that self-collected penile swabs are as effective as clinician-collected samples for detecting HPV and other STIs, with high sensitivity and specificity across infections such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, and HPV (Dize et al., 2016). Self-collection has also been shown to be well accepted by men, with more than 90% reporting the process as “easy” (Patel et al., 2017).
By offering self-collection kits alongside healthcare-assisted collection, Epicentre helps make testing less intimidating and more accessible.
Why Get Tested?
1. Early detection saves lives
Detecting high-risk HPV strains early allows for closer monitoring and timely therapy, significantly improving outcomes (NCI, 2022).
2. Protecting partners
Because HPV can be transmitted without symptoms, knowing one’s status helps reduce the spread of HPV-related cancers in women, particularly cervical cancer, which is almost always caused by HPV (WHO, 2023).
3. Comprehensive sexual health
Epicentre’s panels not only test for HPV but also for up to 35 different infections, including less commonly screened pathogens such as Mycoplasma genitalium and Ureaplasma urealyticum. These can cause persistent symptoms and complications if left undetected (Taylor et al., 2018).
Self-Collection Options
Studies have confirmed that self-collected penile swabs are as effective as clinician-collected samples for detecting HPV and other STIs, with high sensitivity and specificity across infections such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, and HPV (Dize et al., 2016). Self-collection has also been shown to be well accepted by men, with more than 90% reporting the process as “easy” (Patel et al., 2017).
By offering self-collection kits alongside healthcare-assisted collection, Epicentre helps make testing less intimidating and more accessible.
Testing Options
HPV testing can be performed in several ways:
• Cervical HPV testing: Often paired with a Pap smear to check for cell changes in the cervix.
• Anal HPV testing: Recommended for individuals at higher risk, including men who have sex with men and immunocompromised individuals.
• Oropharyngeal screening: Though less common, emerging research supports the importance of early detection in the throat region.
HPV tests can detect the presence of viral DNA or RNA, identifying both current and high-risk infections.
📌 Get Tested with Epicentre
Safeguard your health with our comprehensive HPV Screening Test. Early detection empowers you to take control of your well-being.
Debunking Myths
Several misconceptions persist about HPV:
• Myth 1: Only women need HPV testing.
Fact: Men can carry and transmit the virus and are at risk for HPV-related cancers.
• Myth 2: HPV always causes symptoms.
Fact: Most infections are asymptomatic, making testing essential.
• Myth 3: Vaccination eliminates the need for testing.
Fact: The vaccine does not protect against all HPV strains, so screening remains important.
Long-Term Health Impact
Untreated persistent HPV infections can lead to serious complications, including multiple types of cancer. Early detection through testing ensures that abnormal cell changes can be monitored and managed before progressing to advanced disease (Clifford et al., 2022). This proactive approach significantly improves health outcomes and reduces the need for invasive procedures later in life.
Follow-up and Ongoing Care
If an HPV test detects the virus, healthcare providers may recommend regular monitoring, additional tests, or procedures to assess cell changes. The goal is to maintain close surveillance, ensuring that any progression toward cancer is caught early, when it is most manageable.
Bottom Line: HPV testing is not only about identifying current infections — it is a critical step in preventing long-term complications, protecting partners, and promoting overall health for everyone.
