Cervical cancer remains one of the most significant public health concerns affecting women around the world. In Thailand, the situation is especially alarming: cervical cancer is the third most common cancer among women, and 8–10 Thai women lose their lives to it every single day. While the disease manifests in women, it is driven by a factor that involves both genders — the human papillomavirus, more commonly known as HPV.
Many people still misunderstand HPV, assuming it is a “women’s issue.” In reality, HPV is a shared responsibility, and men play a crucial role in both the spread and prevention of HPV-related diseases. Understanding how HPV works, how it spreads, and how vaccination can break the chain of transmission is essential for reducing cervical cancer rates and improving public health for all.
Understanding HPV: A Common Yet Misunderstood Virus
HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the world. There are more than 100 strains of the virus, and about 40 of them can infect the genital area. Most HPV infections clear up naturally without causing harm, often without the infected person even realising they have it.
However, some high-risk strains — especially HPV-16 and HPV-18 — are capable of causing serious health issues, including:
- Cervical cancer
- Anal cancer
- Penile cancer
- Oropharyngeal (throat) cancer
- Genital warts
What makes HPV particularly dangerous is its ability to remain silent. Unlike many infections that have clear symptoms, HPV often causes no noticeable signs at all. This asymptomatic nature allows the virus to spread easily and unknowingly.
HPV and Cervical Cancer: The Dangerous Connection
Nearly 100% of cervical cancer cases are linked to persistent HPV infection. When high-risk types of HPV infect the cervix and remain in the body long-term, they can cause abnormal cell changes. If these abnormalities go undetected, they can develop into cervical cancer over time.
Fortunately, cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers when addressed early. Screening methods like Pap smears and HPV testing help detect abnormalities before they turn into cancer. And more importantly, preventing HPV infection in the first place dramatically reduces the risk of cervical cancer in women.
This is where men come in — and why they must be included in the prevention strategy.
Men and HPV: The Hidden Carriers
Many people are unaware that men play a major role in the spread of HPV. While HPV-related cancers are less common in men than women, men can still experience serious health effects from HPV, including genital warts, penile cancer, and throat cancer. But the biggest issue is that men often carry and transmit HPV without any symptoms.
This means:
- A man can have HPV without knowing it.
- He can transmit the virus to his partner(s).
- Even with no symptoms, the virus can stay active and infectious.
- Men can spread HPV through vaginal, anal, and even oral sex.
Thus, HPV is not just a women’s problem — it is a shared health issue that requires participation from both genders to control.
Why Men Must Be Included in HPV Prevention
HPV prevention has traditionally focused on women due to the direct link between HPV and cervical cancer. However, global health authorities, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), now emphasise gender-neutral HPV vaccination — meaning both men and women should be vaccinated.
Here are the key reasons men should be part of HPV prevention efforts:
1. Men Are Part of the Transmission Chain
Eliminating cervical cancer is impossible if only half the population is protected.
When men are vaccinated, the spread of HPV in the community decreases significantly — protecting not only themselves but also their future and current partners.
2. Men Also Face HPV-Related Health Risks
HPV can cause:
- Anal cancer
- Penile cancer
- Oropharyngeal cancer
- Genital warts
Rates of HPV-related throat cancers in men have risen worldwide in recent years, making vaccination even more important.
3. Vaccination Protects Future Families
When young men are vaccinated before becoming sexually active, they prevent the risk of unknowingly transmitting HPV to their future spouse or partner.
4. Herd Immunity Strengthens When Everyone Participates
If both genders are vaccinated, HPV transmission drops drastically. This contributes to the long-term goal of eliminating cervical cancer in Thailand.
The Best Time for Men to Get Vaccinated
The HPV vaccine works best when given before exposure to the virus — typically before a person becomes sexually active. However, it still provides benefits even for adults who are already sexually active.
Health experts recommend:
Ideal Age
- Boys and girls aged 9–14: The best window for maximum protection.
- Teens and young adults aged 15–26: Strongly recommended if not vaccinated earlier.
Adults Over 27
People aged 27–45 may still receive the vaccine depending on their lifestyle, risk level, and doctor’s advice. Many adults in this age group can still benefit from vaccination because:
- You may not have been exposed to all HPV strains.
- The vaccine can prevent future infections.
- It can reduce the risk of HPV-related diseases later in life.
How Many Doses Are Needed?
- Ages 9–14: Usually 2 doses
- Ages 15 and above: 3 doses
The schedule depends on age and health condition, and a healthcare provider can recommend the best plan.
Debunking Common Myths About HPV Vaccination for Men
Myth 1: “HPV is only dangerous for women.”
False. HPV causes cancer and warts in men too.
Myth 2: “The vaccine is unnecessary for men.”
Incorrect. Vaccinating men reduces HPV transmission significantly and protects them from HPV-related diseases.
Myth 3: “If men don’t have symptoms, they’re not infected.”
This is one of the most dangerous misconceptions. Most men with HPV have no symptoms at all but can still transmit the virus.
HPV Prevention Beyond Vaccination
While vaccination is the most powerful tool available, it should be part of a broader HPV prevention approach, which includes:
- Practicing safe sex
- Regular health checkups
- Open communication with partners
- Encouraging partners to undergo cervical screening
Vaccination does not replace screening — both work together to reduce risk.
A Shared Responsibility for a Healthier Future
Cervical cancer is one of the deadliest yet most preventable cancers for women. With 8–10 Thai women dying from cervical cancer every day, the urgency to address HPV is undeniable. But the solution doesn’t lie solely in women’s hands.
Men play an equally important role in breaking the chain of HPV transmission. Through vaccination, awareness, and responsible sexual health practices, men can significantly reduce the risk of spreading HPV — protecting themselves, their partners, and future generations.
HPV prevention is not just a women’s issue or a men’s issue.
It is a public health responsibility that requires everyone to work together.