Does HPV infection affect men?

We often hear that HPV is linked to cervical cancer, and many women receive the bivalent, quadrivalent, or even nonavalent vaccine. But did you know this?

Men should also take precautions against HPV infection.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, affecting both men and women.

Currently, over 200 HPV subtypes have been identified. Some high-risk types can cause malignancies in areas such as the cervix, vulva, vagina, and anus, while low-risk types primarily cause abnormal growths of the skin and mucous membranes (such as genital warts) or may be asymptomatic.

HPV can infect the male genitalia and genital tract.

HPV infection in male semen can affect semen parameters such as sperm motility and sperm DNA fragmentation, thereby impacting male fertility.

Studies have shown that sperm motility and normal sperm morphology are significantly lower in HPV-positive men compared to HPV-negative men. The HPV positive rate in infertile men is significantly higher than in men with normal fertility.

Reportedly, the prevalence of HPV infection in the male genitalia can be as high as 45.2%. HPV can be transmitted to partners through sexual contact, increasing the incidence of diseases such as cervical cancer in women. It can also affect embryonic development and be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes such as miscarriage and premature birth.

Therefore, men should also prioritize HPV prevention, which is crucial for male fertility, their partners' reproductive health, and the safety of their offspring.