2023-08-22 17:36:57
Study Reveals One in Five Men Worldwide Infected with High-Risk HPV
Updated on 08/22/2023 at 5:36 p.m
A new study published in The Lancet has found that almost one in three men worldwide has one or more types of genital human papillomavirus (HPV), with one in five men infected with at least one type of high-risk HPV (HR-HPV). The research team from the Catalan Institute of Oncology in Barcelona, Spain, and the World Health Organization (WHO) analyzed data from 65 studies involving 44,769 boys and men aged 15 and over from 35 countries.
HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, affecting both men and women. While the risks and consequences of HPV in women, such as cervical cancer, are well-known, the study highlights the significance of including men in comprehensive HPV prevention strategies. Certain high-risk types of HPV are associated with penile, anal, and throat cancer in men.
The study found that the number of cases of HPV was highest in the age group between 25 and 29 and then stabilized or slightly decreased. The most dominant types of HPV detected were HPV-16 and HPV-6. The research team emphasizes the importance of gender-neutral vaccination to reduce HPV-related morbidity and mortality in men and ultimately eliminate cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases.
Currently, 45 countries offer HPV vaccination to boys alongside girls. Modeling studies suggest that vaccinating both boys and girls can be effective in eliminating high-risk HPV types. Therefore, the researchers advocate for gender-neutral vaccination against HPV.
Contrary to popular belief, condoms do not offer complete protection against HPV transmission. While both men and women can be infected with similar frequencies, the consequences of infection, such as cancer, are more common in women. According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), around 6,250 women and 1,600 men in Germany develop HPV-related tumors each year.
The most effective protection against HPV is vaccination, which is recommended to be administered at a young age. The Standing Committee on Vaccination (Stiko) has recommended HPV vaccination for girls aged 9 to 14 since 2007. Vaccination is also recommended for boys between the ages of 9 and 14 since 2018. Vaccination provides enhanced protection if administered before the initiation of sexual activity.
The study highlights the global prevalence of HPV in men and reinforces the need for comprehensive prevention strategies, including vaccination, to combat the spread of high-risk HPV and reduce the associated risks of cancer in both men and women.
Sources:
– The Lancet: “Global and regional estimates of genital human papillomavirus prevalence among men: a systematic review and meta-analysis” (August 2023)
– Robert Koch Institute (RKI) website: Humane Papillomviren]
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