According to a WHO study, 20% of the males in the world is a carrier of high-risk HPV, which represents an alarming number at the global level. The human papilloma virus (HPV) is a sexually-transmitted infections are the most common, and can cause genital warts or lead to cancer, especially of the cervix or penis.
Prevalence and risk factors
The study, published in The Lancet Global Health he stressed that one of every five men carries some kind of high-risk HPV. The experts explain that the transmission occurs mainly through unprotected sex. In addition, the risk of being a carrier of HPV increases with the number of sexual partners. Despite its high prevalence, many men are unaware that they are carriers, because the infection is often asymptomatic.
Importance of vaccination and prevention
Vaccination is a key tool to prevent the spread of HPV, especially in adolescents before they start their sexual life. In Argentina, the HPV vaccine is included in the calendar, mandatory from the age of 11. Although it does not eliminate the virus once a person is a carrier of HPV, yes prevents new infections and significantly reduces the risk of developing cancers associated with this virus.
Conclusion
This study highlights the importance of including men in strategies for the prevention of HPV. The use of condoms and early vaccination are essential to decrease the prevalence of this infection and, ultimately, reduce the incidence of serious diseases such as cancer of the cervix or genital warts.
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