The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common sexually transmitted infection. Most cases of HPV do not show any major symptoms and generally go away by themselves, but some cases may be more serious and cause illness, and even lead to cancer. Vaccinations protect against contraction of HPV and related infections.
In the past, many programmes have promoted vaccinations for girls as a way to prevent cervical cancer, but recently there has been a growing call among medical practitioners for boys to be vaccinated too. We spoke to Prof Hennie Botha, Head of Gynaecological Oncology at the University of Stellenbosch, who shares with us why it’s important for male children to be vaccinated.
1. We’re all equal
Men have just as good an immune response as women after vaccination. Boys and men aged nine to 26 should get the vaccine to prevent the spread of infection to women, which could potentially cause cancer.
2. Prevention is better than cure
Prevention in men and women through universal vaccination can lead to a decrease and possibly even total eradication of HPV-associated cancers, of which cervical cancer is the most common and deadly. More women die of cervical cancer in South Africa than any other form of cancer.
3. Men can get it too
Men are affected by oncogenic (cancer-causing) strains of HPV, which may lead to genital and oropharyngeal cancers. These occur less frequently than HPV-associated cervical cancer in women but are nonetheless an important cause of morbidity and even mortality in men.
4. Kick the warts and all
Male vaccination with a multivalent vaccine will prevent genital warts, which are extremely common and very difficult to treat.
5. Protect thy lover
Not only does vaccination protect the person who has been vaccinated, it can also protect the sexual partner of the vaccinated man.
PHOTO: iStock/FatCamera
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