Penis warts are often caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI) known as the human papilloma virus (HPV). The only way to be completely safe from becoming infected by this particular virus is to stay away from sex altogether. Without body-to-body contact, it's almost impossible to get HPV. But full and total abstinence isn't the right choice for all men. Sex is an important component of a healthy life for most people. Thankfully, there are some penis care steps men can follow to at least reduce their risk of becoming infected with HPV.

Consider Partners Carefully

Since HPV is spread through intimate contact, it makes sense for men to try to keep their partner list short. After all, each new body they interact with comes with a risk of invaders that could cause penis warts.

For some men, that means sticking with the same partner. Fooling around with outsiders is just too risky, so they find a great sex partner and stick with that person for good.

Those who do choose to get busy with a new body should have an in-depth conversation about STIs before the clothes come off. Men can ask their potential mates about any wart-like symptoms they've seen, and/or ask if the potential partner has ever been treated for anything that looks like warts.

Of course, the other person might not be honest. Not everyone is. But discussing the issue openly and honestly, long before the sex starts, is a smart way to make sure that the other person is at least more likely to disclose any wart history.

Choose Vaccination

There is a vaccine men can get that can prevent penis warts, and it's been approved for use in men 26 years of age and younger. Doctors must give the vaccine, so it's not something men can run to the store and buy, but it could be a smart move for men who are worried about their risk of penis warts.

Some doctors give the vaccine to boys as young as 11, so men should be sure that they haven't had the vaccine before. A quick peek at medical records should answer that question for most men.

Use Protection

Keeping the body protected during any and all sexual activity is yet another way to prevent penis warts. That means men should wear condoms when they:

- Receive oral sex

- Engage in vaginal sex

- Engage in anal sex

- Rub up against a partner's genitals

Condoms only protect the part of the body that they cover, so men who choose this type of protection may leave areas of their groins vulnerable to infection. But a condom can provide at least some shielding from HPV.

Watch Carefully

After a sexual encounter, especially if that play involves a new partner, men should be sure to keep watch over their intimate skin. Bits of irritation, small spots of swelling or tiny areas of discoloration could be signs that something was transmitted during sex, and such symptoms are good reasons to visit a doctor.

The human papilloma virus may be treatable, so when men do see these penis warts appearing, they can have a frank conversation with a medical professional about what they should do, and how the problem should be handled.

Men can make an inspection easier, and more beneficial, by adding in a penis health cream (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil). These products make penile tissues soft and smooth, so bumps are easier to feel and spot. And the ingredients in a quality product keep these vital tissues healthier and stronger, so they can feel and provide pleasure with ease.