For men, a not-very-persuasive argument for the HPV vaccine
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Possibly contrary to common knowledge, human papilloma virus can and does affect men, leading to genital warts and, less often, cancer of the anus or penis. But it’s best known for its role in causing cervical cancer. Men, lacking a cervix, are less concerned about this than women.
But maybe men don’t know they can pass along the virus to women. Maybe they don’t know that getting the vaccine could help protect current and future loved ones. Maybe if they did, they’d get the new vaccine that protects against some types of the virus. Maybe ...
It’s not happening. In a study published this year in the journal Sexually Transmitted Diseases and now being touted by Florida State University, one group of male college students was told about the vaccine’s potential benefits to them and another group was told about its potential benefits to them and their partners. Neither message had much effect.
The news release. The abstract from the journal.
These were college-age men, mind you. And it’s possible that older men with longtime partners or wives might feel differently. But it also seems likely that women not inclined to get the vaccine wouldn’t be swayed by the partner-protection message either. It’s not just one shot -- it’s three of them.
Other recent news on the HPV vaccine from the Los Angeles Times:
HPV vaccine may benefit older women
And basic information on the virus from the CDC.
--Tami Dennis