The Singapore Family Physician

Back to issue Vol 50 No. 5 - Advancing HPV Prevention in Singapore

HPV in Men: Unveiling the Silent Epidemic

Tan Kok Kuan
Matthew Tan
The Singapore Family Physician Vol 50 No 5 - Advancing HPV Prevention in Singapore
1 May 2024
0377-5305
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections with about 1 in 3 men infected globally. Men do not develop protective immunity after an infection and consequently remain susceptible to reinfection throughout their lives, serving as a reservoir of infection. While HPV infections may be asymptomatic, persistent HPV infection may lead to the development of genital warts and increase the risk of penile cancer, anal cancer, and oro-pharyngeal cancer in men. 4- and 9-valent HPV vaccines have been approved for use in boys and men in Singapore and are efficacious and safe in preventing HPV infections and HPV-associated diseases.