Hpv in men

Infection Human papillomavirus (HPV) is better known to the public as the cause of cervical cancer. Therefore, immunization (vaccine) to prevent HPV is more intensively socialized to women. Though HPV can also attack men and cause penile cancer. Apart from these two types of cancer, some types of HPV can also cause genital warts, mouth or throat cancer, and anal cancer. More about HPV in men, see below.

How do men get HPV infection?

HPV in men can be transmitted through sexual contact with a person who is already infected with HPV. Transmission is very easy and occurs most often through anal, vaginal, or oral sex.

Keep in mind, HPV can be transmitted even if an infected person does not show any signs and symptoms.

Is there a test for HPV in men?

To date, there is no HPV screening examination other than for cervical cancer in women. Therefore, most cases of HPV in men are only known when they have reached a serious condition so that it is difficult to treat.

Prevent HPV in men

The most effective way is by giving the HPV vaccine. This vaccine builds immunity so that its nature is to prevent infection, not cure it.

In Indonesia, there are two types of HPV vaccines in circulation, namely bivalent (two types of HPV virus) and tetravalent (four types of HPV virus). The HPV vaccine is bivalent to prevent cervical cancer, while tetravalent is not only for cervical cancer but also for genital warts.

Can sex with a condom prevent HPV?

Condoms can indeed prevent HPV infection. However, this method cannot guarantee that you are 100 percent virus-free.

The reason is, HPV may still infect areas that are not protected by condoms and transmission can also occur through contact between infected skins. For example, when having oral or anal sex. So not necessarily through the genitals.

How do men administer the HPV vaccine?

Just like women, the HPV vaccine is given three times in the upper arm with a distance between vaccines of six months.

According to the CDC in the United States, the HPV vaccine can be given sooner, that is, at the age of nine and must be completed before the age of 13. If given within that age range, the vaccine only needs to be given twice. The distance is from six to twelve months between vaccines.

Don't wait until adulthood or after marriage

The HPV vaccine is more effective if it is given at a young age, that is, before being sexually active (before marriage). The Association of Indonesian Dermatology and Venereology Specialists (PERDOSKI) advises parents to give the HPV vaccine to boys at the age of 10 to 12 years.

Men with a high risk of HPV infection (homosexual or who like to change sexual partners, both men and women), and men who have HIV or a weak immune system until the age of 26 years should also get the HPV vaccine in men as soon as possible.

Is it safe for men to get the HPV vaccine?

Since the HPV vaccine received distribution approval for the first time in 2006, this vaccine is considered very safe, effective, and has very few serious side effects for both women and men. Common side effects are pain and redness from the injection site. Several studies have also shown this vaccine is proven to protect men from genital warts and anal cancer.