Speaking of HPV (human papillomavirus),
People just think of cervical cancer.
But heres what you dont know!
HPV is not ‘exclusive’ to women,
Men can get HPV, too,
It may even cause cancer.
In September 2023, the WHO cited a new study in The Lancet Global Health, a top medical journal in the Lancet series, which showed that among men aged 15 and above, approximately 31% were infected with at least one type of genital human papillomavirus (HPV), and the bigger problem was that about 21% of men were carriers of high-risk (i.e., cancer-causing) HPV.
HPV infection in men can cause warts, skin and mucous membrane lesions, and persistent high-risk HPV infection can even cause penile, oral and anal cancers.
In addition, men, as hosts and important carriers of HPV, can carry HPV in the genital mucosa for a long time, which can be transmitted to their partners through sexual intercourse. Whenever one spouse is infected with HPV, coitus may bring about repeated cross-infection, affecting the womans HPV conversion while increasing the risk of cervical lesions. Data show that men with penile cancer have a 2.8 to 6.7 times increased risk of invasive cervical cancer in their spouses.
Therefore, both men and women infected with HPV need to be treated with early prevention and intervention.
So, how can you tell if you get HPV?
Is there a self-test?
Cao Aie, Director of the Gynaecology Department at Hainan Cancer Hospital, made it clear that there is no self-testing for HPV, and that you need to go to the hospital for examination and treatment.
However, there are ‘signs’ of HPV infection that can be detected early. That is to be sure to pay attention to your sexuality, to some changes in your body. For example, people who have had unsafe sex, or whose sexual partners have HPV infection, have condyloma acuminatum, or are in close contact with HPV-infected people.
Additionally, if men notice suspicious papules, neoplasms, or growths increasing or enlarging around the genital and anal areas, they must promptly seek standardized examination and treatment at a reputable medical institution.
Regarding HPV screening, Director Cao Aie said that for women who are sexually active, it is recommended to have individual or combined HPV or TCT screening at least every 2 to 3 years. For men, there is currently no specific guideline recommending HPV screening, so prevention becomes particularly important. When men engage in certain related risky behaviors or experience suspicious symptoms, they should undergo regular testing. Early detection, early diagnosis, and early treatment are very important.
HPV is preventable and manageable
Given the high carcinogenic risk and significant harm associated with HPV infection, China has recommended HPV vaccination for women aged 9 to 45.
Currently, there are three types of HPV vaccines available in China, which can be classified as bivalent, quadrivalent, and nonavalent HPV vaccines based on the number of HPV subtypes they can prevent.
A higher "valence" indicates that the HPV vaccine can prevent more types of HPV viruses. The bivalent vaccine primarily prevents types 16 and 18 viruses, which are also common viruses associated with cervical cancer in China. The quadrivalent vaccine adds low-risk types 6 and 11 to the bivalent vaccine, providing protection against genital warts. The nonavalent vaccine adds types 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58 to the quadrivalent vaccine, which can prevent approximately 90% of cervical cancer cases.
Currently, the physical examination center of Hainan Cancer Hospital offers HPV vaccination (including nonavalent, quadrivalent, and bivalent vaccines). Female friends can choose the appropriate vaccination based on their age and economic situation.
Currently, only Hong Kong and Macau have opened up HPV vaccination policies for men in China. Other male individuals can make appointments for their partners to receive the vaccination.
Vaccination appointment hotline: 36791929
18718805534
Precautions for HPV Vaccination
After HPV vaccination, there may be temporary pain at the injection site, as well as adverse reactions such as dizziness, headache, fatigue, and even allergies.
It is not recommended for individuals who are preparing for pregnancy or are already pregnant to receive the vaccination. Although there are currently no reported data on the teratogenicity of HPV vaccines, due to limited clinical data after the vaccines market release, it is not recommended for this particular group of individuals to receive the vaccination. Effective contraceptive measures should be taken during the vaccination period. If pregnancy occurs during the vaccination process, subsequent doses should be suspended, and the remaining doses should be completed after delivery.
Expert warning
Director Cao Aie reminds that while receiving the HPV vaccine can reduce the incidence of cervical cancer, it does not equate to lifelong prevention of cervical cancer. Even after receiving the nonavalent HPV vaccine, women who are sexually active still need to undergo regular screening for cervical cancer and precancerous cervical lesions.
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Author | Huang Fei