"Only women can get HPV?" "Having HPV means you have a promiscuous lifestyle?" "Vaccination guarantees immunity?" .....
Wrong! Wrong! Wrong!
In fact, the infection rate of HPV is actually higher in males - relevant data shows that the lifetime risk of HPV infection for females is 84.6%, while for males it is 91.3%.
Director Cao Aie, a gynecologist from Hainan Chengmei Hospital, stated that preventing HPV requires joint action from both men and women, so don't believe these rumors!
Rumor 1: HPV is a "patent" for women, and men don't need to pay attention to it
The one-sided perception that "HPV = cervical cancer" has led many people to believe that this is an exclusively female issue. Director Cao Aie pointed out, "HPV viruses do not have gender preference, and men are also susceptible and vectors of transmission." Although men infected with HPV will not develop cervical cancer, they may suffer from genital warts, penile cancer, anal cancer, and other diseases. Persistent infection with high-risk HPV is an important cause of head and neck tumors in men.
What's more insidious is that men infected with HPV often exhibit no obvious symptoms, making them prone to infecting their partners without even knowing it.
Director Cao Aie reminded: "Men should take the initiative to receive HPV vaccination and seek medical attention promptly if they develop abnormal growths or ulcers on their genitalia. This is not only for their own protection but also for the protection of their partners."
Rumor 2: Infection with HPV = cervical cancer
The rumor that "infection with HPV is a precursor to cancer" has thrown countless people into panic. In response, Director Cao Aie explained, "There are over 200 subtypes of HPV, which are divided into high-risk and low-risk types. Most infections do not require excessive concern." Low-risk HPV mainly causes benign lesions such as common warts and genital warts, while persistent infection with high-risk HPV may lead to malignant tumors such as cervical cancer and anal cancer. Among them, HPV16/18 have the highest carcinogenic risk, causing about 70% of cervical cancers.
The human immune system is the "natural nemesis" of HPV. 80%-90% of HPV infections are cleared by the immune system spontaneously within 1-2 years, and only a minority of individuals with low immunity will develop persistent infections. It typically takes 5-10 years from persistent HPV infection to the development of cancer, and regular screening can fully achieve early detection and intervention.
Rumor 3: Getting vaccinated against HPV guarantees 100% safety
"After getting the HPV vaccine, everything will be fine, and there's no need for further screening" is a highly misleading misconception about HPV. Director Cao Aie clearly pointed out that the core value of the vaccine is to prevent specific subtypes of HPV infection and reduce the risk of disease, but it is not a "universal shield". Taking the commonly used bivalent vaccine in clinical practice as an example, it can precisely prevent the two subtypes of HPV16/18 with the highest carcinogenic risk, addressing about 70% of the threat of cervical cancer and providing solid protection for health. However, the scope of protection still has its boundaries.
Currently, all HPV vaccines cannot cover all high-risk subtypes. Even the nine-valent vaccine, which has a wider protective range, cannot achieve 100% prevention of related cancer risks.
Director Cao Aie emphasized, "Vaccines are important preventive measures, but they can never replace regular screenings. Whether vaccinated or not, women should persist in undergoing combined HPV+TCT screenings, especially those over 30 years old. This is a crucial step in early detection of cervical lesions and early intervention."
Scientifically prevent and control HPV, focus on these two points
1. Regular standardized screening
After reaching the age of 26 and becoming sexually active, women should initially undergo screening once a year. If they remain negative for three consecutive years, the screening frequency can be reduced to once every 2-3 years. This can be done either through HPV screening alone or combined HPV and TCT screening.
Second, ensure daily protection and enhance immunity
Consistently using condoms correctly during sexual activity can significantly reduce the risk of HPV transmission. Additionally, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, a balanced diet, and moderate exercise, while avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption, can enhance immunity and help the body clear the virus.
Director Cao Aie warns that HPV infection is not to be feared; rather, it is being misled by rumors that is frightening. By gaining scientific knowledge, actively receiving vaccinations, and undergoing regular screenings, one can truly safeguard their own and others' health, building a solid barrier for physical and mental well-being.
Expert Introduction
Cao Aie, Chief Physician
Medical expertise:
She specializes in surgical treatment of benign and malignant gynecological tumors such as cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine fibroids, ovarian tumors, endometriosis, uterine prolapse, and intrauterine adhesions. She has extensive experience in chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy for gynecological malignancies such as cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, and vulvar cancer. She has completed over 10,000 cases of open surgery, laparoscopic surgery, hysteroscopic surgery, vaginal surgery, and other minimally invasive surgeries.
Clinic Hours: Tuesday morning
Article | Huang Fei