Penis warts are an unattractive addition to a man’s equipment, and most men would like to avoid contracting them. Although warts are most often harmless, they don’t give the impression that one has a healthy penis and can cause many a partner to withdraw from an encounter or relationship. Practicing good penis health can help to prevent penis warts and can also aid in treating those warts when they do occur.

The backstory

Penis warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which has been much in the news in recent years. HPV is thought to significantly increase the risk of a woman developing cervical cancer; the risk of anal cancer is also significantly increased with HPV. There is also another link, though less strong, to the development of penile cancer. None of this is to say that anyone who develops penis warts will get penis cancer; however, doctors should be aware of genital warts so that they can determine whether they need to keep an eye out for any possible symptoms that might indicate penis cancer could develop.

Genital warts, like all warts, are passed on by skin-to-skin contact. Though they do not cause pain by themselves, friction caused by rubbing against clothing or skin can irritate them and cause pain.

Not just genital warts

By the way, all warts are caused by HPV, not just the ones that are classified as genital warts; however, the type of HPV that causes genital warts is different than that which causes, say, a wart on the hand or on the toe. Except in some cases in which an individual has immune system issues, one type of wart can’t be passed to another part of the body. So, for example, if a man masturbates with a wart on his palm (and his immune system functions properly), he should not be able to pass the wart on to his penis.

However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does list the mouth as an area of infection for genital warts, although this is less common than in the genital area and the anus.

Treatment

Often a person can get HPV without any warts appearing; in most cases, when the warts do appear, the body’s immune system eventually defeats the virus and the warts then disappear on their own.

Other times, warts linger and the person who wants them removed needs to see a doctor to decide on the proper course of action. There are topical mediations (both prescription and over-the-counter) which can be used. Other methods for removal include freezing, burning and, in extreme cases, surgery.

Prevention

There are generally three recommended steps for keeping from catching genital warts:

- Get an HPV vaccination. It is recommended that all males and females get the vaccine between the ages of 9 and 26, and preferably before they become sexually active. Studies are still being conducted to see if the vaccine is reliably effective after the age of 26.

- Use condoms. Although not 100% effective, they can provide some protection against the spread of HPV.

- Don’t smoke. Studies show that smokers are more likely to get genital warts.

The majority of men who develop penis warts will not suffer any further negative health consequences, but they can be uncomfortable during sex and cause a sore penis. To soothe a sore penis, whatever the cause, regularly use a top drawer penis health cream (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil). The optimal cream will include a combination of moisturizers, such as vitamin E and Shea butter, for soothing relief. In addition, the cream needs to include a select antioxidant, such as alpha lipoic acid, to age in preventing premature penis cell aging.