Why Men Should Also Get the HPV Vaccine & How It Protects Women

Introduction

When people hear about the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, the conversation often centers on women’s health—particularly because HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer. However, HPV is not only a women’s health concern. It affects both men and women, and vaccinating men is one of the most effective ways to reduce the overall burden of HPV-related diseases. In fact, protecting men from HPV has a powerful ripple effect: it directly safeguards their health while also dramatically reducing the risk of HPV transmission to women.

At Second Spring Women’s Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, we believe in approaching HPV prevention as a shared responsibility between partners. Understanding why men should also receive the HPV vaccine can help families and couples make informed, proactive decisions for long-term wellness.

What Is HPV?

HPV (human papillomavirus) is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 80% of sexually active people will contract HPV at some point in their lives. There are over 200 known strains of HPV, and while many cause no symptoms and resolve naturally, some types are particularly dangerous.

HPV infections fall into two categories:

• Low-risk strains: These do not cause cancer but can lead to genital warts in both men and women.

• High-risk strains: These can cause cellular changes that may progress to cancer over time.

HPV-Related Health Risks in Women

• Cervical cancer (nearly all cases are linked to HPV)

• Vaginal and vulvar cancers

• Precancerous lesions requiring surgical treatment

• Infertility risks due to cervical procedures

HPV-Related Health Risks in Men

• Penile cancer

• Anal cancer (especially in men who have sex with men)

• Oropharyngeal cancer (throat, tongue, tonsils)

• Genital warts

These risks highlight why HPV vaccination is just as important for men as it is for women.

Why Men Should Get Vaccinated

Many people assume HPV vaccination is “for women only.” In reality, the vaccine provides life-saving protection for men, while also lowering transmission to their partners. Here’s why men should prioritize HPV vaccination:

1. Direct Protection Against Cancers

HPV-related cancers in men are increasing, particularly oropharyngeal cancers linked to oral HPV infections. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HPV causes about 70% of oropharyngeal cancers in the United States. These cancers can be difficult to detect early and may require aggressive treatments such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

HPV vaccination prevents infection from high-risk strains, reducing the likelihood of developing these serious cancers.

2. Prevention of Genital Warts

HPV strains 6 and 11 are responsible for the majority of genital warts in both men and women. While not life-threatening, genital warts can be painful, recurrent, and emotionally distressing. Treatment often requires multiple clinic visits for freezing, burning, or surgical removal. Vaccination prevents these strains, sparing men and their partners from unnecessary discomfort and stigma.

3. Reducing Transmission to Women

One of the most overlooked benefits of male vaccination is protecting female partners. HPV is easily transmitted through sexual activity, often without any symptoms. Many men unknowingly carry and spread the virus. By vaccinating men, we reduce the circulation of high-risk HPV strains, lowering women’s chances of developing cervical cancer.

This shared protection is especially important for women who may not have access to vaccination or who received incomplete vaccination during adolescence.

How Male Vaccination Protects Women

The HPV vaccine creates a stronger shield when both men and women participate in prevention.

Lower Infection Rates

Research shows that when men are vaccinated, infection rates among women decline significantly. Countries that have adopted gender-neutral vaccination programs (such as Australia and the UK) report dramatic decreases in HPV prevalence and related diseases across both sexes.

Stronger Herd Immunity

Herd immunity occurs when enough people are immune to a virus that its spread is significantly reduced. With both men and women vaccinated, the circulation of HPV drops within the community, protecting even those who are unvaccinated. This is especially valuable for populations at higher risk of cervical cancer, such as women with limited access to regular screenings.

Protecting Fertility

HPV infection doesn’t just cause cancer—it can also impact fertility. When women develop precancerous cervical lesions, they may require procedures such as LEEP (loop electrosurgical excision) or cone biopsy to remove abnormal cells. While effective, these treatments can sometimes weaken the cervix, increasing risks during pregnancy or affecting fertility. By reducing HPV transmission from men, vaccination indirectly safeguards women’s reproductive health.

When Should Men Be Vaccinated?

Timing is an important factor in maximizing the benefits of HPV vaccination.

• Recommended Age: The ideal time for vaccination is ages 11–12, before sexual activity begins. At this age, the immune system responds most effectively to the vaccine.

• Catch-Up Vaccination: Men up to age 26 who missed the vaccine in adolescence are strongly encouraged to complete the series.

• Adults 27–45 Years: While not routinely recommended for everyone, adults in this age group may still benefit from vaccination depending on lifestyle, risk factors, and personal health history. Discussing this with a physician is key.

The HPV vaccine is administered as a two- or three-dose series, depending on the patient’s age. Protection is long-lasting, with studies showing strong effectiveness for over a decade.

Common Concerns About HPV Vaccination

Despite its proven benefits, some men (and parents of boys) hesitate to get vaccinated. Let’s address common concerns:

• “HPV only causes cervical cancer, so men don’t need it.”
  False. HPV causes several cancers in men, including throat and anal cancers.

• “I’m too old to benefit from vaccination.”
  Not necessarily. Even if exposed to some HPV strains, the vaccine may still protect against others. Men up to age 45 can discuss potential benefits with their doctor.

• “The vaccine isn’t safe.”
  The HPV vaccine has been studied extensively in millions of people worldwide. It is considered very safe, with most side effects being mild and temporary (such as soreness at the injection site).

A Shared Responsibility

HPV vaccination should not be viewed as solely a women’s health initiative. It is a shared responsibility that benefits couples, families, and society as a whole.

When men get vaccinated, they:

• Protect themselves from HPV-related cancers and genital warts

• Reduce transmission to partners, helping prevent cervical cancer

• Contribute to herd immunity, safeguarding future generations

At Second Spring Women’s Clinic, we emphasize that preventing HPV is not just about avoiding illness—it’s about protecting long-term health, fertility, and quality of life. By encouraging both men and women to vaccinate, we take a comprehensive approach to reducing the burden of HPV-related diseases.

Final Thoughts

The HPV vaccine is one of the most powerful tools in modern preventive medicine. It protects men and women alike from a wide range of cancers and infections, while also reducing the overall spread of the virus.

By choosing vaccination for both sexes, couples can create a mutual shield of protection—ensuring not only their personal health but also contributing to a healthier future for their families and communities.

At Second Spring Women’s Clinic in Gangnam, we are committed to guiding women and their partners through every stage of preventive care. If you or your partner have questions about HPV vaccination, cervical cancer prevention, or fertility preservation, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our expert team. Together, we can make HPV-related cancers a thing of the past.