BANGKOK, THAILAND – A Thai gynecologist warned that most men carry the dangerous HPV virus without knowing it and called for vaccination for all genders.
Doctor in Bangkok challenges HPV myths
Dr. Prayongsri Kamprapan of Thanakan Hospital said human papillomavirus (HPV) should not be seen as a women-only issue.
“More than 90 percent of sexually active men will be infected with HPV at some point in their lives,”
said Dr. Prayongsri Kamprapan, gynecologist. She added that many people wrongly believed the vaccine was only important for women, even though men were equally at risk and often unaware of their infection.
Virus can hide for a decade without symptoms
The doctor explained that HPV could remain in the body for more than ten years without causing any visible signs.
“The male immune system does not respond particularly well to the pathogen,”
said Dr. Prayongsri Kamprapan, gynecologist. As a result, she warned that men who felt healthy might unknowingly pass the virus to their partners through both heterosexual and homosexual contact.
Higher cancer risk for men
According to the doctor, HPV was commonly associated with cervical cancer, but the danger for men was even greater. The virus caused cancers of the mouth and throat, occurring in men up to five times more frequently than in women. It was also linked to penile cancer, anal cancer and persistent genital warts, and she noted that, unlike women, men did not have routine cancer screening, so many cases were detected late.
Growing demand for vaccination
Dr. Prayongsri said awareness was increasing and more men were now seeking medical advice on their own initiative.
“Especially those who inform themselves or are advised by partners and family come to us,”
said Dr. Prayongsri Kamprapan, gynecologist. She welcomed this development and added,
“This shows that education works!”
said Dr. Prayongsri Kamprapan, gynecologist.
Vaccination as an act of protection
The doctor appealed to people of all genders to see HPV vaccination as protection for themselves and their partners.
“Many men believe: If I have no symptoms, I do not need vaccination. In fact, they can carry the virus for years and pass it on to their loved ones,”
said Dr. Prayongsri Kamprapan, gynecologist.
“The vaccination protects both in the long term – the individual and their partner,”
said Dr. Prayongsri Kamprapan, gynecologist, adding that getting vaccinated showed responsibility for oneself and others.
What men should do now
Dr. Prayongsri recommended that all men seek information and speak with their doctor, stressing that the HPV vaccine was safe and effective. She said more countries were now recommending gender-neutral vaccination, and demand in Thailand was rising.
“HPV infections are common and often symptomless, but the long-term health consequences can be serious. Vaccination is an important preventive measure – for men, women and people of all sexual orientations,”
said Dr. Prayongsri Kamprapan, gynecologist.