Health Network》Men are more susceptible to HPV than women! Medical Warning: May Increase Cancer Risk and Damage Sperm – Free Health Network

Health Network》Men are more susceptible to HPV than women! Medical Warning: May Increase Cancer Risk and Damage Sperm – Free Health Network

November 19, 2024 Catherine Williams - Chief Editor News

Men Should Get Vaccinated Against HPV

Doctors emphasize that men can be more susceptible to human papillomavirus (HPV) than women. Research shows that the infection rates for men can reach 11.5%, compared to 3.2% for women. HPV can seriously impact fertility, making it essential for men to take preventive measures, such as practicing safe sex and scheduling regular health check-ups.

HPV Infection Rates

About 7.3% of men and 1.4% of women are infected with HPV. Studies indicate that among men aged 18 to 22, the infection rate is 28.9%. This number can jump to around 60% for men aged 23 to 27 due to increased sexual activity after entering the workforce.

Transmission and Health Risks

HPV spreads mainly through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Key risk factors include multiple sexual partners, unprotected sex, and low immunity. Although many men do not show symptoms, potential health issues include:

  • Genital warts: Generally caused by low-risk HPV types (like HPV-6 and HPV-11).
  • Cancer: High-risk types (like HPV-16 and HPV-18) can lead to anal, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers.

Additionally, HPV can affect sperm quality. Research shows men with high-risk HPV may experience increased sperm mortality and lower motility, which can impact fertility.

Vaccination and Prevention

Vaccination is crucial for preventing HPV infections. The HPV vaccine is effective against various HPV-related diseases, including several types of cancer and genital warts. Both men and women should receive three doses of the vaccine for optimal protection.

Vaccination Schedule

  • For those vaccinated between ages 9-14: only 2 doses are needed.
  • For those over 15 or who have had 1 dose: three doses are needed, with the second dose administered two months after the first and the third six months after the first.

Additional Protective Measures

  • Practice Safe Sex: Using condoms can significantly reduce the risk of HPV transmission.
  • Regular Health Check-Ups: Men should have routine reproductive health check-ups to detect and address potential infections early.

Taking these steps helps protect against HPV and its potential health risks.