Recent study showed a high rate of HPV among men, illuminating a warning on prevention and diagnosis between this group
A study published this month in The Lancet Global Health magazine showed that the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in men over the age of 15 is high. The result welcomed a warning for experts around the world. Research claims that sexually active men, regardless of age, are an important genital HPV infection tank.
The analysis that compiled almost 5,700 scientific texts published between 1995 and 2022. “One in three men worldwide is infected with at least one type of genital HPV and about one in five is infected with one or more types of HPV at high risk or with the potential to cause cancer,” said the research. The prevalence was particularly high in young adults, reaching a maximum aged between 25 and 29 years.
Silent disease
According to the urologist and director of communication and member of the Brazilian Society of Urology (SBU) infection committee, dr. Karin Oldolch, barely symptoms HPV infection. “When they present themselves, they are usually discreet and can be confused with other clinical situations such as mushrooms and allergies,” he says.
In a significant number of cases, after initial contamination and infection, the events disappear spontaneously. However, before this occurs, the individual may have already contaminated his partnerships.
However, in several contaminated people, the virus remains clinically manifesting in an average period from 2 to 8 months. The event can occur until more than a decade later. “It is noteworthy that the subclinical injuries, those that are not visible to the naked eye, can also lead to the development of Prealign and Maligne lesions”, warns the doctor.
HPV symptoms
The most characteristic clinical lesions of the HPV are warts, also known as sharp conditioning. As a rule, all the injuries of the warts in the genital area should be considered suspicious for the HPV up to the contrary, highlights Karin. According to the doctor, other injuries may seem faster, such as high and rough plates, or small dark nodules on the skin of the genitals.
The doctor indicates regions in which lions affect men more:
- Glans (penis head);
- Groove (penis neck);
- Penis body.
- Public region;
- Scrotal bag;
- Thigh root;
- Perineum;
- Anal region;
- Oral cavity, especially for the practice of unprotected oral sex.
Karin also warns that, although asymptomatic, these injuries are quite contagious.
On subclinical lesions, since they are not visible, they end up unnoticed and have a considerable role in the spread of the HPV. This is both under the bottom and at high risk for tumors. An evaluation conducted by trained doctors can detect them, adds the doctor.
Diagnosis
According to the urologist, the diagnosis of HPV requires, first of all, a detailed history of the patient. This is because the time between the contagion and the manifestation of the infection is rather variable. “Knowing the individual’s sexual habits is also very important to establish strategies to protect contacts and new contagions, for this and other IST, as there is the sharing of the same risk and exposure factors”, justifies
Also, know if the individual has been vaccinated for the HPV, when and how many doses he received, it is also very important. “We often receive asymptomatic men to be examined because the examination of one or a partner has revealed a suggestive anomaly of HPV infection, sometimes even a pre-musical or malignant injury, for example, in preventive gynecological tests.”
In the physical examination, careful genital inspection is performed. In some cases, the biopsy or collection of molecular biology tests can be indicated for the confirmation of the virus and its subtype, whether it is a high or low potential of malignancy.
Karin adds that there are no blood tests for detecting this type of infection. However, the search for other sexual transmission infections (IST) is essential when the individual presented one, such as HPV, precisely because they share the same risk factors and exhibitions.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for the HPV, but its management will depend on the type and the place of the injury. “In general, what is done are the ablative therapies so called, such as cold, warm or chemical cautions, with the destruction of infected lesions and cells. It may also be necessary to use topical and chemical therapies in the form of creams and ointments”, explains the doctor.
According to Karin, he is unable to eliminate all injuries simultaneously and the tendency to the anniversary is high, especially in the first months that follow. It is therefore important that the individual is aware that the treatment can be long and that adhesion and persistence are fundamental for the best results, warns the doctor.
“If the lesions have already influenced the interior of the cavities, such as mouth, anus, urethra or even bladder, the treatment can involve more complex surgical procedures, especially when there is already evil transformation tests. Therefore, the best will always be prevention,” says Karin.
Because the treatment is indispensable
The urologist warns of the risk of not taking care of the disease, which can be particularly serious for people with immunodeficiency. “Even in individuals with apparently normal immunity, lesions can become multiple, increasing and more difficult to treat,” he warns. As often influence the genital area, if visible, they cause aesthetic problems, concerns in their partnerships and even stigmatization, adds the expert.
In some cases, the HPV may evolve into malignancy, in the patient or in his partnership, which is the greatest concern of this type of injury. “The HPV corresponds to the most frequent cause of cervical cancer in women and in the anal channel in men who have sex with men,” he warns.
In addition, the disease also has important correlations with penis and head cancer and neck cancer. “Therefore, all the efforts for their eradication must be made by health agencies, as well as by the continuous education of the population and the commitment of the company,” says the doctor.
Importance of condom
The use of condoms during sexual intercourse is one of the main ways to prevent HPV contamination. However, although it is very effective against most IST, the protection, in this case, is not total, especially when there are lesions outside the condom coverage area or when it is not used, for example, in oral sex.
“The female condoms, because it has greater coverage, is often more effective if used, of course, from the beginning of the relationship. Even without penetration and without ejaculation the person can acquire the HPV virus, if there is contact with the infected skin and the mucous membrane, since this is the way the virus is transmitted”, warns the doctor.
However, it is important to promote the importance of condoms. “We have observed a very important reduction of its use in recent years and this is certainly contributing to the flooding elevation of IST cases in Brazil and all over the world, including teenagers. Many people end up having the false impression that the problem of IST is under control when it no longer touches the topic. Therefore, we must speak and guide the population constantly,” he says.
HPV vaccine
The vaccine against HPV, however, is the most effective measure to prevent disease. The vaccine is highly safe and is available for free from Sus. The immunner is suitable for girls and boys aged 9 to 14, with 2 doses. “The Ministry of Health also maintains that teenagers who have received only the first dose can take the second dose even if they have passed the six months of the standard interval, so as not to miss the opportunity to complete the regime,” says Karin.
He adds that some other groups, such as people who live with HIV, cancer or cancer patients aged 9 and 45, also have access to the free vaccine in Sus, in these cases, in three doses. “The Sus vaccine free covers the most popular types of HPV. This is also available and other vaccines that include other HPV subtypes in the private and complementary health system. On these specific groups, the choice of vaccination will depend on a discussion between the doctor and the patient”, concludes the doctor.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
