HPV, anal warts and anal cancer

HPV, anal warts and anal cancer

HPV means human papilloma virus. HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact and can cause warts. These warts appear most often on the ass hole, inside the ass or on the cock. They usually look like tiny cauliflowers. These warts can be treated. But HPV can stay in your body. So even after the warts are treated they can re-appear in the same place, or appear in another place.

Certain types of HPV infections inside the ass can eventually lead to anal cancer. Compared to other people, HIV positive gay men have a higher risk of developing anal cancer. However, even if you have anal warts you will not necessarily get anal cancer.

Your doctor can give you an anal exam to check for abnormal lumps or bumps inside your ass (and check your prostate for cancer at the same time).

Hepatitis C

HCV means the hepatitis C virus. It is the virus that causes hepatitis C disease. HCV can be transmitted sexually. Guys with HIV are more likely than HIV negative guys to be infected with HCV.

You can’t count on any symptoms to let you know you’ve got HCV. The only way to know for sure is to get a blood test. You should get tested for HCV regularly (probably at least once a year), especially if you are fucking without condoms, having rough sex, sharing sex toys or sharing needles if you inject drugs.