Doctors remind us that HPV doesn’t just affect women; men are likewise a high-risk group, and prevention should be universal. (Image from Shutterstock)
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is often associated with cervical cancer, but doctors are emphasizing that HPV is not exclusively a female health risk. Men are also susceptible to infection and can unknowingly transmit the virus to their partners, even without experiencing symptoms. Dr. Chen Yu-Hsin of Heng Hsin Urology Clinic notes that many men mistakenly believe they are not at risk due to a lack of noticeable discomfort, which allows the virus to spread within intimate relationships.
Dr. Chen Yu-Hsin explains that HPV is a highly contagious virus, with a significant infection rate for both men and women, primarily spread through close contact. A common clinical scenario involves women discovering an infection through a Pap smear or HPV screening, while their male partners remain asymptomatic, often overlooking the associated risks.
He points out that because most men experience mild or no symptoms when infected with HPV, they may unknowingly continue to transmit the virus. This lack of awareness can lead to repeated infections between partners, allowing the virus to persist in intimate relationships.
Physicians also caution that many HPV infections are asymptomatic, and some viruses can remain in the body for years. Even in stable relationships, recent infection isn’t always the case.
Research indicates that there are differences between men and women in their ability to clear the virus. Dr. Chen Yu-Hsin notes that approximately 50-70% of women develop neutralizing antibodies and clear the virus within two years, while only about 10% of men naturally produce sufficient antibodies. This means the virus is more likely to remain in the body for a longer period, with a potential latency period of 10-20 years.
“What we have is why some men who show no symptoms in their youth may develop related diseases years later,” Dr. Chen Yu-Hsin says. He emphasizes that the risk of HPV lies in its long-term latency and the often-unnoticed health impacts, and it shouldn’t be considered solely a female disease.
Recent research also suggests a link between HPV and several types of cancer, beyond the well-known association with cervical cancer. These include head and neck cancers, and anal cancer. Some studies have even found HPV DNA in prostate and bladder cancer tissues, though further research is needed to determine if it’s a causative factor.
Dr. Chen Yu-Hsin stresses that HPV prevention shouldn’t be solely the responsibility of women. Because the virus is primarily spread through intimate contact, prevention efforts are limited if only women undergo screening or vaccination. When women receive regular cervical cancer screenings, they can also discuss HPV-related risks with their partners and jointly adopt preventative measures.
The government currently provides regular Pap smear screenings for eligible women and has been gradually promoting HPV testing as an adjunct screening tool, with the goal of early detection of precancerous lesions and reducing the risk of advanced cancers.
Dr. Chen Yu-Hsin emphasizes that HPV prevention should extend beyond cancer screening for women to encompass a broader public health perspective. Both men and women who understand the virus’s transmission methods and potential risks, and adopt appropriate preventative measures, can significantly reduce the long-term impact of HPV-related diseases on individuals and families.
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