PREVENTION

Papillomavirus, why do we need to vaccinate boys?

Every day, no matter what you do and no matter where you are, the risk of getting an infection is always present. Infection can be bacterial or viral in origin. In the latter case, HPV infection is one of the most common infections in sexually active people. Papillomaviruses are particularly contagious and can cause cervical cancer. For this reason, it is strongly recommended that teenage girls be vaccinated before they become sexually active. However, this virus can also be harmful to men. That's why, in this article, you'll find out why boys should also be vaccinated against HPV.

Papillomavirus, what are we talking about?

Human papillomaviruses or HPVs are part of a family of viruses with as many as 100 variants. Depending on the type of HPV that infects a person, the consequences can be skin lesions, genital warts, or, in the worst case, cancer. In any case, you should know that more than 99% of cervical cancer cases are due to chronic infection with this virus. The virus is also highly contagious and infects more than 80% of sexually active women and men. Cervical cancer can also be transmitted through the mouth and hand.

Does infection with this virus inevitably cause cancer?

Although cancers are among the most serious consequences of HPV infection, not all infections will always cause cancer. In fact, you should know that the body gets rid of this virus within 6 to 18 months after infection. However, chronic infection with certain types of HPV can cause cervical cancer. Therefore, it is important to treat HPV infection so that complications do not occur.

What are the risk factors for papillomavirus infection?

Although HPV can easily infect everyone, there are some people who are more likely to be infected. This is the case, for example, for people with an immune deficiency, young adults, sexually active people, and especially those with multiple partners. Cuts, scratches and any small skin wounds are also a major risk factor for HPV infection.

Can infection with this type of virus be prevented?

HPV infection is perfectly preventable. All you need to do is get vaccinated before infection. This is why young girls are strongly advised to be vaccinated before they are sexually active, i.e. between 11 and 14 years of age. Especially since the vaccine is completely free. However, although the emphasis is always on girls, boys must also be vaccinated. In fact, they are just as exposed to HPV infection as girls..

Why should boys be vaccinated?

Vaccinating boys against HPV infection is essential to protect them. This type of virus also attacks boys' health and can have serious consequences. For this reason, from the summer of 2020, this vaccine will also be recommended for boys. Find out below why this type of vaccine is also recommended for boys..

Papillomavirus infection can also cause cancer in men

Although HPV infection always refers to cervical cancers, you should also be aware that this virus is responsible for several types of cancer in men. Among them, you have: cancer of the tonsils,  the penis, the anus or the oropharynx. In fact, there is currently an increase in anal cancer in men. It is therefore necessary to vaccinate boys before they become infected with the papillomavirus, particularly HPV 16, which is responsible for the majority of the cancers mentioned above..

Vaccine prevents genital warts

The appearance of genital warts is one of the most common consequences of HPV infection. Although warts may appear benign, they are very difficult to treat. They can cover a large area of skin. Genital warts are most often caused by HPV 6 and 11, and the HPV vaccine offers  optimal protection against these types of viruses.

Vaccination is the most effective means of protection against HPV

Although sexually active people can use a condom to protect themselves against STIs, it does not prevent HPV infection. HPV can be transmitted through casual contact. Therefore, the only effective way to protect against HPV is through vaccination. In women who have been vaccinated before the age of 17, the occurrence of precancerous cervical lesions is reduced by 75%.

There is currently no way to screen for anal and oropharyngeal cancers

In order to detect cervical cancer as early as possible, women can take a smear test. This is not the  case for men and for cancers of the anus and oropharynx. In fact, there is currently no way to detect this type of cancer in time. All the more reason to vaccinate boys before they become infected with HPV.