For anyone wondering what the heck HPV is, it’s the human papillomavirus, the most common sexually transmitted disease. The reason a vaccine for it exists is because it’s one mean virus: Not only is it the main cause of cervical cancer in women, but infected men have increased risks of several types of cancer as well, including oropharyngeal (tongue, tonsils, throat), penile, and anal. And when you also consider that consistent condom use is only 50% effective at protecting men from HPV infection, vaccination is a no-brainer, right?
Well, it’s not to the CDC, which recommends the vaccine only for men up to age 26—and by then many of those men have already been exposed to the virus. Some docs disagree with the CDC. Stephen Goldstone MD, an assistant clinical professor of surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, believes the vaccine can be benefi cial for men over the cut-off age who have had fewer than five sexual partners. “You may already be infected with HPV, but chances are you’re not infected with all four types that the vaccine protects against. So you could prevent future problems.” If you do decide to roll up your sleeve, you’ll need three doses at a total cost of roughly RM1,800. (Men older than 26 may not be covered by insurance, since they’re not in the prescribed age group.) Even if you don’t meet the criteria for the vaccine, spread the word about it: Inoculating boys before they’re sexually active is the best way to prevent infection entirely, says Dr Goldstone.
