HPV is not only about Women, It'a about Men too.

Understanding the Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV is a type of virus that causes infections in epithelial tissues and can lead to diseases in the genital area, anus, mouth, and throat. It affects both women and men and is often transmitted through direct contact or intercourse. People infected with HPV typically show no symptoms, and the virus can take 10-20 years or more to potentially develop into cancer.

Currently, more than 100 strains of HPV have been identified, with only a few causing diseases. Notably, strains 16 and 18 are particularly dangerous as they have the highest risk of leading to cancer. Other strains usually do not pose significant health risks.

People with HPV often do not realize they are infected because they do not exhibit symptoms, leading to delayed treatment and unintentional transmission to others. This can eventually result in cancer, making HPV a silent threat that requires regular virus screening.

How is HPV Transmitted?

The main factor for HPV infection is intercourse, whether vaginal, anal, or oral without condoms. The virus can spread through cuts or abrasions on the skin or through direct skin contact. Secondary factors include having a weakened immune system, regular smoking, or a history of transmitted infections. These individuals may unknowingly contract and spread HPV.

What Are the Symptoms of HPV Infection?

As mentioned, people infected with HPV often do not know they have it because the virus's incubation period can be more than 10-20 years. During this time, the body may not show clear symptoms, but there may be some general signs indicating HPV infection:

In women, abnormal vaginal discharge might occur, with a foul smell, bleeding, or blood in the discharge. Symptoms often appear when the immune system is weakened and may come and go. However, some women may show no symptoms at all.

In men, abnormalities might appear on the penis, such as discoloured and thickened skin or lumps or sores, potentially leading to penile cancer.

Genital warts can appear in both men and women as small bumps on the genital area. These can be itchy but not painful. In women, they often appear on the vulva or cervix, while in men, they can appear on the penis or anus.

Preventing and Reducing the Risk of HPV Infection

Both men and women can take steps to prevent and reduce the risk of HPV infection:

Adjust Behaviors : Always use condoms during activity to significantly reduce the risk of HPV infection. While PrEP and PEP can prevent HIV, they do not protect against other infections. Reducing the number of partners and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also help boost the immune system and reduce the risk of HPV.

HPV Screening: The most common screening method is the HPV DNA Test, which involves collecting cell samples from the cervix and testing them. This quick and convenient test can detect HPV early and increase the effectiveness of treatment.

HPV Vaccination: Vaccination is a key prevention strategy, with three types of HPV vaccines available: 

2-strain vaccine: Protects against HPV strains 16 and 18, preventing about 70% of cervical cancers.

4-strain vaccine: Protects against strains 16, 18, 6, and 11, preventing about 90% of genital warts and 70% of cervical cancers.

9-strain vaccine: Provides broader protection against nine HPV strains, including those covered by the 4-strain vaccine and additional cancer-causing strains.

How to Administer HPV Vaccines?

HPV vaccines are most effective when administered before activity begins, typically from age 9 onwards. The schedule is as follows:

Before age 15: Two doses, six to twelve months apart.

After age 15: Three doses; the second dose two months after the first and the third dose six months after the first.

For the 2-strain vaccine: Three doses; the second dose one month after the first and the third dose six months after the first.

Is the HPV Vaccine Necessary for Men?

Many people believe the HPV vaccine is only for women, but men should also receive it. HPV is a significant cause of serious diseases in men, including penile cancer, anal cancer, oral and throat cancers, and genital warts. There are no cures for these diseases, making vaccination a critical preventive measure. Additionally, vaccinating men helps prevent the spread of HPV to their partners.

What Diseases Can the HPV Vaccine Prevent?

For women: Cervical, vaginal, vulvar, anal, oral, and throat cancers, and genital warts.

For men: Penile, anal, oral, and throat cancers, and genital warts.

Side Effects After Receiving the HPV Vaccine

The HPV vaccine is generally very safe. Common side effects are mild and include fever, headache, dizziness, and nausea, which typically resolve on their own. Pain at the injection site is also common but subsides within a few days.

What to Do if Diagnosed with HPV

If you are diagnosed with HPV, current medical treatment focuses on monitoring. If at risk for high-risk strains 16 and 18, which may lead to serious conditions like genital warts or cancer, treatment will vary:

Genital warts: Treatments include topical anesthesia, laser therapy, surgical removal, or electrocautery. However, these treatments do not eliminate the virus from the body.

Cancer: Treatment depends on the cancer stage and may include chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery.

The best prevention for HPV infection is early vaccination for both men and women, ideally between ages 9 and 45. The 9-strain vaccine, administered in three doses, is the most comprehensive prevention method. Women should continue regular cervical cancer screenings even after vaccination to maintain optimal health. You can register for HPV testing with Menness Wellness