AIDS, syphilis, and gonorrhea are mostly sexually transmitted diseases that people are aware of. However, unlike them, there are sexually transmitted diseases that are not well aware of the dangers. It is a human papilloma virus (HPV) that affects the mucous membranes surrounding the skin and the human body, such as the genital organs, the anus, the mouth, and the neck.
HPV’s Impact on Men’s Health and Global Prevalence
It is known that there are more than 100 HPV types, of which about 30 can affect the genital region. There is a misunderstanding that HPV only affects women. This is because more than 340,000 women die from cervical cancer caused by HPV every year.
However, doctors warn that HPV can be infected regardless of gender. In fact, in men, HPV infections are related to scleral cancer, anal cancer, and oropharyngeal cancer, and the International Cancer Research Institute estimated that about 69,400 male cancers were caused by HPV in 2018.
According to a recent study published in the journal The Lancet Global Health, one in three men aged 15 or older worldwide is infected with at least one HPV type, and one in five men is infected with more than one HPV type.
Global Study Reveals High HPV Prevalence in Men, Signaling the Need for Greater Awareness and Prevention Efforts”
Researchers at the Institute of Oncology in Catalonia, Spain, analyzed the prevalence of genital HPV infection in the general male population around the world based on a study published between 1995 and 2022. As a result of the analysis, regardless of the type, the prevalence rate was 31% for all HPVs and about 21% for high-risk HPVs.
HPV is the most prevalent in young adults, reaching a maximum between the ages of 25 and 29, and stagnating or slightly decreasing in the elderly population. By region, East and Southeast Asia were low, half of other regions. It was also found that HPV-16 is the most prevalent HPV genotype, followed by HPV-6.
The researchers said, “The results of the study show that the prevalence of HPV is high in men over the age of 15, and support that sexually active men regardless of age are an important repository of HPV genital infections.”
The HPV Vaccine: A Crucial Shield Against Cancers and Genital Warts
The HPV vaccine safeguards against HPV types responsible for various cancers and genital warts. Administered in two or three doses over six months, it’s recommended by the CDC for adolescents at 11-12 years old but can be given to individuals up to age 45. It’s proven safe and effective, providing lasting defense against high-risk HPV strains. However, it doesn’t replace regular cervical cancer screenings for women or protect against all HPV types or other sexually transmitted infections. Safe sex practices remain essential.
HPV is an important, often underestimated sexually transmitted infection that affects both genders. The HPV vaccine effectively prevents various cancers and genital warts, emphasizing the importance of vaccination and safe sexual practices for prevention. Raising awareness about HPV is crucial for public health.