HPV virus is one of the primary causes of oropharyngeal, anal, and penile cancers
Cervical cancer is a significant health issue for women across the world, most frequently diagnosed between the ages of 35 and 44. While it is primarily caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV)—a common sexually transmitted infection—it is important to know that cervical cancer can have a solid impact on the entire society, as men too play an important role in prevention.
According to experts, the virus is one of the primary causes of oropharyngeal, anal, and penile cancers oropharyngeal cancer among men increasing dramatically over the last few years. “Men are carriers and are responsible for the transmission of HPV and the resultant infection risks to their partners,” Dr. Aravind Badiger, Technical Director of BDR Pharmaceuticals, told Times Now.
Dr. Badiger said despite the risks, male vaccination coverage is low, which restricts the overall effectiveness of disease prevention.
Why should men be vaccinated for HPV?
The primary cause of cervical cancer is infection with high-risk HPV types, primarily HPV 16 and HPV 18. These types of HPV can be transmitted through sexual contact and can lead to the development of abnormal cells in the cervix, which, if left untreated, can progress to cervical cancer.
“Men can unknowingly carry and spread HPV to their partners, increasing their risk of cervical and other cancers. Getting vaccinated helps protect partners from HPV-related diseases. Also, head and neck cancers caused by HPV, particularly oropharyngeal cancer, are becoming more common in men. HPV vaccination helps lower this risk,” said Dr. Tejas Gundewar, Chief Fertility Consultant, at Ruby Hall Clinic.
According to Dr. Gundewar, men who have sex with men should specifically be offered vaccines up to and including 45 years old, as they are at higher risk of HPV infection.
All about the HPV vaccine
Doctors say the HPV vaccine prevents HPV infections that can progress to cancer or genital warts. However, even though the vaccine prevents infections, it is not a treatment. If you have already been exposed to a particular strain of HPV, the vaccine will not be able to heal the infection.
The HPV vaccine can protect you from strains you haven’t encountered before. These include high-risk types and low-risk types. High-risk HPV strains can lead to cancer. Low-risk types don’t increase your cancer risk, but they can cause nuisance conditions like genital warts.
“A man does not develop cancer or warts from an HPV infection; he can still carry it and transmit it to his sexual partner. Unvaccinated men contribute to the spread of HPV, putting their partner at risk of developing HPV-related cancers and other complications,” said Dr. Monika Jani, a gynaecologist and obstetrician at Bhailal Amin General Hospital.
How does the HPV vaccine work?
Doctors say the vaccine contains a simulation of the virus—not the actual live virus. The vaccine stimulates your immune system to produce antibodies that fight HPV. If you get exposed to the actual virus, these antibodies prevent it from causing an infection.
What is the HPV vaccination schedule?
You’ll get the vaccine as a series of shots. The number of shots depends on the age at the first dose.
From age 9 to 15
You will need two shots to be fully protected. You should get the second shot six to 12 months after getting the first shot. At this age, your immune system is especially strong. Vaccination at a young age provides the strongest immune response and the best protection against HPV infection.
Ages 15 and up
You need to get three shots to be fully protected. You should get the second shot one to two months after your first shot. You should get the third shot six months after your first shot.
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