Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the world. Many people think that HPV only affects women because it is often linked to cervical cancer. However, HPV also poses serious health risks to men. Even though HPV vaccines have mostly been given to women, men can also benefit from getting vaccinated.

HPV is not just one virus—it is a group of over 200 viruses. Many HPV infections go away on their own, but some types can cause serious health problems. In men, HPV can lead to penile cancer and is a major cause of anal cancer. It can also cause cancer in the throat, tonsils, and tongue.

Besides cancer, HPV can also cause genital warts. These are not dangerous, but they can be uncomfortable and upsetting. Some HPV-related cancers do not show signs until they are very serious, which is why getting vaccinated early is so important.

Dr. Monika Jani, a gynaecologist and obstetrician at Bhailal Amin General Hospital in Vadodara, says, “Although HPV is often linked to cervical cancer, its impact on men should not be overlooked. Men face serious health risks from HPV, including penile, anal, and throat cancers, as well as genital warts. Furthermore, unvaccinated men contribute to the continued spread of HPV, endangering their partners. The HPV vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect men from these health risks while also helping to reduce the overall burden of HPV-related diseases.”

How does HPV spread, and why should men get vaccinated?

HPV spreads through close skin-to-skin contact, especially during intimate activities. A person can have the virus without showing any signs and still pass it on to their partners. Many men who have HPV don’t even know it, which makes it easier for the virus to spread.

Even if a man doesn’t get cancer or warts from HPV, he can still carry the virus and pass it to others. This increases the risk of HPV-related cancers and health problems for his partners. Getting the HPV vaccine helps men protect themselves and also reduces the spread of the virus to others.

The HPV vaccine is very effective at protecting against the most harmful types of the virus. It prevents infection from HPV types 16 and 18, which cause most HPV-related cancers. It also protects against types 6 and 11, which are the main cause of genital warts.

Health experts, including the CDC, recommend that both boys and girls get the HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12. The vaccine works best when given before someone becomes sexually active because it protects them before they are exposed to the virus. However, older teens and adults who haven’t been vaccinated can still get the vaccine and benefit from its protection.

How can the pharmaceutical industry help in HPV prevention?

From a pharmaceutical perspective, expanding HPV vaccination programs to include men is important for both public health and the healthcare industry. Dr. Aravind Badiger, Technical Director at BDR Pharmaceuticals, explains, “Despite the common misconception that HPV primarily affects women, the virus poses a significant risk to men as well. HPV is a leading cause of oropharyngeal, anal, and penile cancers, with oropharyngeal cancer among men rising at an alarming rate in recent years. Additionally, men act as carriers, facilitating transmission and increasing infection risks for their partners. Yet, male vaccination rates remain low, limiting the overall effectiveness of HPV prevention efforts.”

Regulatory agencies worldwide are encouraging gender-neutral immunization policies. This means that healthcare organizations are working to make HPV vaccination available to both men and women. The pharmaceutical industry plays a big role in this effort by investing in awareness campaigns, improving vaccine distribution, and ensuring easy access to vaccinations.

Getting vaccinated early is the best way to protect against diseases caused by HPV. As HPV-related cancers are increasing worldwide, it is important for vaccine makers to find ways to make the vaccine available to more people. This will not only help prevent cancer but also improve healthcare in the long run.

Many people think HPV only affects women because it is linked to cervical cancer. However, men are also at risk. HPV can cause serious health problems in men, including cancers of the penis, anus, and throat, as well as genital warts. If men are not vaccinated, they can also spread the virus to their partners. The HPV vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect men from these health problems and reduce the number of HPV-related diseases overall.

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