Buzz
While women regularly undergo pap smears and girls are more likely to stay current on their HPV vaccinations, recent research shows that men are also at risk. In fact, men are six times more likely than women to have a high-risk strain of HPV in their mouth or throat, which can lead to oropharyngeal cancer.
HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that usually doesn’t present any immediate symptoms. Fortunately, our immune systems are generally able to eliminate it over time. If you're sexually active, chances are you’ve already encountered at least one strain of HPV during your life.
However, if your body doesn't clear the virus, it can lead to cancer. While HPV is most commonly associated with cervical cancer, it also plays a role in penile, anal, vulvar, and vaginal cancers. Additionally, the virus can reside in the mouth and throat, where it can cause cancers as well.
How to Safeguard Yourself
There is no cure to eliminate the virus, and the primary way to test for it is through routine cervical cancer screenings at your gynecologist’s office. A pap smear looks for unusual cells that could potentially develop into cancer, while an HPV test, which may be done on its own or alongside a pap smear, checks for the virus itself.
The best way to reduce your risk of contracting the virus—regardless of your gender—is twofold. First, you can prevent its spread with barrier methods such as condoms or dental dams. Second, if you’re eligible for the HPV vaccine, it's highly recommended that you get it. The vaccine guards against the most high-risk strains of HPV—nine types in the case of the latest Gardasil vaccine—and those who’ve been vaccinated are less likely to become infected with these strains.
The CDC advises that preteens, typically around ages 11 or 12, should receive the HPV vaccine. However, it’s also approved for women up to age 26 and for men up to age 21 or 26 depending on their risk factors. So, if you fall within this age range and haven't yet received both doses of the vaccine, now might be the time to contact your doctor and take a step toward safeguarding your future health.
