HPV: Why Are Men Still the Forgotten Population in Prevention Efforts?

By Ana Espino | Published on June 01, 2026 | 4 min read


When human papillomavirus (HPV) is mentioned, cervical cancer is usually the first condition that comes to mind. For decades, prevention campaigns, screening programs, and vaccination strategies have primarily focused on women. Yet men are also affected by this extremely common sexually transmitted infection.

Today, researchers are highlighting a paradox: although HPV is responsible for a growing number of cancers in men, particularly in the head and neck region, their place in prevention policies remains insufficient. A recent review published in Reviews in Medical Virology calls for a rethinking of HPV as a public health issue that affects both sexes.

A Much More Common Infection Than Many Realize

Human papillomavirus is one of the most widespread sexually transmitted infections worldwide. It is estimated that more than 80% of sexually active individuals will be exposed to the virus at some point during their lives.

Among the hundreds of HPV types that have been identified, some are considered “high-risk” because they can promote the development of cancer. HPV16 and HPV18, in particular, are involved in several genital cancers as well as oropharyngeal cancers, which affect the tonsils, the base of the tongue, and the soft palate.

The authors note that, globally, nearly one in three men carries a genital HPV infection, and approximately 21% are infected with a high-risk strain. HPV16 appears to be the most prevalent viral type in most regions of the world.

Male Cancers on the Rise

While the link between HPV and cervical cancer is well established, the consequences of HPV infection in men remain less well known to the general public.

However, HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancers are increasing rapidly in many countries. In the United States, between 70% and 80% of these cancers are now linked to HPV, primarily HPV16. In some regions, they have even become more common than cervical cancer.

The virus is also involved in a substantial proportion of penile and anal cancers. Men who have sex with men and individuals living with HIV are at particularly high risk of developing anal cancer.

Beyond cancer, several studies also suggest that HPV may negatively affect male fertility, particularly through alterations in sperm quality.

A Virus That Is Difficult to Control

One of the main challenges lies in the often silent nature of the infection.

In most cases, the immune system clears the virus spontaneously within a few months. However, some infections persist for several years. This persistence is the primary factor driving the development of precancerous lesions and, eventually, cancer.

HPV transmission is highly efficient. It does not necessarily require sexual intercourse and can occur through simple skin-to-skin genital contact. The authors also emphasize the growing importance of oral-genital transmission, which may contribute to the increasing incidence of HPV-related head and neck cancers in men.

The number of sexual partners, immune status, smoking, and certain sexual practices also influence the risk of infection and viral persistence.

Why Are Men Less Protected ?

According to the authors, the history of the fight against HPV partly explains this situation.

The first vaccination programs were designed primarily to prevent cervical cancer. In many countries, boys were not included in vaccination campaigns until several years after girls.

While this strategy has significantly reduced cervical cancer rates, it has left part of the male population insufficiently protected. Added to this were the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to declining vaccination coverage in many countries and increased vaccine hesitancy.

Another challenge is that, unlike women, men currently do not benefit from standardized screening programs. In practice, infections are often detected only when symptoms develop or during specialized medical consultations.

Toward More Inclusive Prevention?

According to the authors, HPV prevention can only be fully effective through a truly gender-neutral approach.

They advocate for stronger vaccination efforts targeting boys, the development of catch-up vaccination strategies for at-risk populations, and greater public awareness of the consequences of HPV infection in men.

The implementation of targeted screening programs for certain high-risk populations could also improve the early detection of HPV-related lesions.

This review highlights that human papillomavirus is not solely a women's health issue. As HPV-related cancers continue to rise among men, a more equitable prevention strategy appears essential to sustainably reduce the global burden of diseases associated with this virus.




About the author – Ana Espino
PhD in Immunology, specialized in Virology  
As a scientific writer, Ana is passionate about bridging the gap between research and real-world impact. With expertise in immunology, virology, oncology, and clinical studies, she makes complex science clear and accessible. Her mission: to accelerate knowledge sharing and empower evidence-based decisions.