Human Papillomavirus in Adults – HPV Does Not Choose Gender
A significant part of the population is exposed to human papillomaviruses (HPV) throughout their lives. In recent years, there has been a global effort to increase vaccination coverage not only among children and adolescents who have not yet been vaccinated but also among adult women and men who could benefit from it, including those who have likely already encountered HPV.
HPV is not only about cervical cancer
HPV infections are widespread in the population, with up to 80% of people encountering them in some form during their lifetime. Infection can occur with the first sexual partner, and often the individual's immune system deals with the infection on its own. However, sometimes precancerous changes can develop, leading to cancers associated with HPV.
These diseases affect both women and men. In women, we most commonly see cervical cancer, but precancerous and cancerous conditions can also occur in the external genitalia and vagina. In men, head and neck cancers, and occasionally penile cancer, are increasingly common. Both genders can experience anal cancer, laryngeal papillomatosis, or less severe but very stigmatizing genital warts.
Insufficient detection in men
Human papillomaviruses affect both genders, but while women under gynecological care have regular cervicovaginal screening available, there are no tests to confirm the presence of HPV in men. Vaccinating boys and young men makes sense not only as a protection for their future partners but also for their own health as an effective preventive measure.
Availability of HPV vaccines
Currently, the vaccine offering the broadest protection includes 9 types of HPV. Vaccination is legislatively possible from the age of 9. From January 1, 2024, health insurance companies will cover HPV vaccination for all girls and boys aged 11 to 14 years (up to their 15th birthday). There is no upper age limit; it always depends on the specific patient and their agreement with the doctor.
Vaccination effectiveness
The maximum effectiveness of vaccination is in HPV-naive individuals. Clinical evaluations and other available analyses show that it also makes sense to vaccinate adult men and women, even those who have already encountered HPV. The vaccination provides protection against a wider spectrum of risky HPV types, and infection with one type of virus does not mean protection against another; moreover, repeated infections may occur throughout life.
The purpose of vaccination is evidenced by results from Australia, where a consistent vaccination program has reduced the incidence of cervical cancer by up to 90%, making it a rare disease.
Vaccination is also recommended for adult women and their partners, and for patients diagnosed with cervical precancerous conditions or after cervical conization. General practitioners for adults play a key role in disease prevention through vaccination.
Webinar dedicated to HPV issues
A webinar focused on HPV issues, HPV-associated diseases, and current vaccination options will take place on June 11 at 17:00, and will be intended for gynecologists and general practitioners.
During this event, the chairman of the Czech Vaccinology Society ČLS JEP prof. MUDr. Roman Chlíbek, Ph.D., the chairman of the Czech Gynecological and Obstetrical Society ČLS JEP MUDr. Vladimír Dvořák, Ph.D., and the vice-chairman of the General Practice Society ČLS JEP MUDr. Igor Karen will address topics such as HPV vaccination in men, vaccination of conized women, and long-term vaccine effectiveness.
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Source: Chlíbek R. The effectiveness of HPV vaccination after the onset of sexual life. XV. Hradecké Vaccinological Days, 3.–5. 10. 2019. Available at: www.vakcinace.eu/storage/files/3/prednasky/2019/7.pdf
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