HPV affects both men and women. However, women are more likely to be affected by serious complications such as cervical cancer. When protection is recommended.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted viral infection worldwide and a cause of cervical cancer in women. There are more than 200 types of HPV viruses that can be sexually transmitted – at least 12 of them are oncogenic and therefore cause cancer. Men are often unnoticed carriers of the HP virus and can infect women through intimate contact. But men are also affected by the possible consequences of an infection, such as penile cancer, anal cancer or head and neck tumors.
It turns out that almost every third man worldwide is infected with at least one genital HPV type and around every fifth man with one or more HPV types. An appropriate vaccination is still the best protection against infection and the possible consequences, such as the development of cervical cancer.
HPV infection: frequency in men aged 15 and over is high
The epidemiology of human papillomavirus (HPV) in women is well documented, but less so in men. It is all the more important, according to the authors of this comprehensive studyto show how high the infection rate is in men.
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The results of 65 studies with 44,769 men from 35 countries were summarized and validated for the analysis. It has been shown that the incidence of HPV infection is high in young adults, peaks between the ages of 25 and 29 and declines slightly thereafter, particularly in Europe, North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Australia, New Zealand and Southern Africa the Sahara. East and Southeast Asia have fewer HPV infections in men.
The authors of the study in September 2023 in the medical journal The Lancet summarize the importance of the study as follows: “Our results show that HPV prevalence is high in men over 15 years of age and demonstrate that sexually active men, regardless of age, are an important reservoir for genital HPV infection. These estimates underscore the importance of including men in comprehensive HPV prevention strategies to reduce HPV-related morbidity and mortality in men and ultimately achieve elimination of cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases.”
HPV and cervical cancer: Vaccination can prevent the development of a malignant tumor
The Standing Vaccination Committee (STIKO) recommends vaccination for girls and boys aged nine to 14 years. goal of HPV vaccination is to reduce the risk of HPV-related cancers such as cervical cancer and anal cancer.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. In no way does it replace a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, our editorial team cannot answer individual questions about clinical pictures.