Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world. The diseases that HPV most often causes can be prevented by the human papillomavirus vaccine. It is most effective when given before exposure to HPV. The HPV vaccine should be given not only to women but also to men. The gender-neutral vaccine is of great importance for the common goal of the European Union – the elimination of HPV-caused oncological diseases. Men can become infected with human papillomavirus through sexual contact with unvaccinated partners against HPV. The fact that their immune response to infection is weaker than that of women is not to be underestimated. Human papillomavirus is not only associated with cervical cancer. In men, it is most often associated with certain types of head and neck cancer, anus and penile cancer. The risk of developing the listed cancers is lower in people vaccinated against HPV. Only 11 European countries vaccinate men or have committed to do so. The European Cancer Organization (ECCO) says that by 2030, gender-neutral vaccination should be introduced in all member states of the European Union.
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