6 Reasons Why Men Too Need A Shot Of The HPV Vaccine

Medical experts recommend HPV vaccination for all boys and girls aged 9-14 years. The vaccine offers protection to sexual partners against transmission of infection caused by human papillomavirus.

HPV vaccination can prevent HPV-related cancers like oropharyngeal, anal, and penile cancer, say experts

Source : Canva

By Dr Sanjeev Kumar

Cervical cancer vaccine, in addition to cervical cancer, offers protection against HPV infection and related cancers. A common misconception about the HPV (Human papillomavirus) vaccine is that only girls need to receive it to protect themselves against cervical cancer. What some people may not know is that HPV vaccination can prevent other HPV-related cancers that can affect males too.

Why Men Should Get HPV Vaccine: 6 Reasons 

1. HPV-related cancers in males include oropharyngeal (throat, tonsil and tongue), anal, and penile cancer.

2. Due to changing and unnatural sexual practices (viz., multiple sexual partners, homosexuality, oral-anal-genital sex), HPV infection can transmit from male-to-male, female-to-female, male to female, and female-to-male. HPV vaccination offers protection to sexual partners against HPV infection. Even if you don’t develop HPV-related cancer, you can still pass HPV infection on to an unvaccinated sexual partner.

3. HPV related oropharyngeal cancers, more common in males, has been attributed to oral sex and the incidence is on the rise. HPV infection has been found to be associatedwith about 70% of these oropharyngeal cancer cases.

4. HPV vaccination can prevent cancer in males. The HPV vaccine is safe, effective, and provides long-lasting protection against cancers caused by HPV, including penile, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers. Studies have shown that HPV vaccination can prevent more than 90% of cancers caused by HPV.

5. HPV vaccination as a preventive strategy becomes even more important in males as there is no screening tests for male for early detection of cancer, like we have cervical cancer screening tests for females.

6. In addition to cancer, HPV vaccination also offers protection against HPV-related anal and genital warts.

The Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) Advisory Committee on Vaccines and Immunization Practices (ACVIP) recommends HPV vaccination for all boys and girls aged 9-14 years.

Dr Sanjeev Kumar is Associate Director, Surgical Oncology, at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka.

[Disclaimer: The information provided in the article, including treatment suggestions shared by doctors, is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]