In most developed countries, as of 2017, two vaccines against the human papilloma virus, known as HPV, are recommended for boys aged 11-12 years. Almost all sexually active people catch the virus at some point in their lives. Most HPV infections are asymptomatic and are suppressed by the immune system, but there is an increasing number of cases in which the virus causes the development of genital warts and some forms of cancer in men. The virus that causes the infection can be spread through vaginal, anal and oral sex, and even through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. It is important to note that infection is different from infection with the retrovirus that causes AIDS or herpesviruses that lead to the development of genital herpes. A major symptom of an ongoing HPV infection is the appearance of warts, lumps, or sores on the tissues of the penis, scrotum, perineum, anus, mouth, or throat. The infection itself is not an oncological disease, but it leads to tissue and biochemical changes in the body, which increasingly lead to the development of cancer formations. In women, cervical cancer most often develops, and in men, penile and rectal carcinomas. They develop slowly and may go undiagnosed for years after HPV infection. NEWS_MORE_BOX Currently, there are no approved medical tests to detect the causative virus in men. Regular preventive examinations can detect the potential oncological consequences of the infection and catch many cancers at an early stage, when there is a greater probability of their successful removal. However, approved HPV vaccines are reliable and effective and can prevent infection and greatly reduce the likelihood of developing cancers in men and infertility in women. For maximum effectiveness, it is desirable that the vaccine be given before entering into a sexually active relationship, but even men over 21 years of age can be vaccinated. This is highly recommended, because the infection threatens not only the health of the carrier, but also of all his sexual partners.