마지막 업데이트: 2026년 8월 15일

HPV — human papillomavirus — is the commonest sexually transmitted viral infection there is. Most people associate the vaccine with cervical cancer and therefore with girls, and that association is exactly why a lot of men go unvaccinated when they would benefit from it.

Human papillomavirus, the commonest sexually transmitted viral infection
More than 100 HPV subtypes have been identified; only a few carry cancer risk.

What HPV does in men

In men, persistent infection with high-risk subtypes causes penile cancer, anal cancer and oropharyngeal (throat) cancer. Low-risk subtypes cause genital warts — not dangerous, but stubborn to clear and a real source of distress.

Some perspective is warranted, though, because the numbers frighten people unnecessarily. The US CDC reports around 14 million new infections a year, and most sexually active people will encounter at least one subtype in their lifetime. Around 90% of infections clear on their own within two years without any treatment at all. Only the small proportion that persists carries cancer risk — and types 16 and 18 account for most of it.

Which vaccine, in practice

Three HPV vaccines have been approved over the years, but the practical choice today is simpler than that list suggests.

HPV vaccine vial, protection that applies to men as well as women
The HPV vaccine is more than cervical cancer prevention.

Timing, doses, and whether it is too late

Vaccination works best before any sexual activity begins, which is why it is offered in early adolescence. The CDC schedule is 2 doses if the course starts before age 15, 그리고 3 doses from 15 onwards.

The question I am asked most often is whether it is worth having as an adult who is already sexually active. The honest answer: less benefit than being vaccinated at twelve, but not none. With over 100 subtypes, having encountered one does not mean you have encountered the nine the vaccine covers, and it still reduces genital wart recurrence. Past the mid-twenties it becomes an individual decision rather than a blanket recommendation — worth discussing rather than assuming the window has closed.

On durability, the vaccine has been in use since 2006 and the protection has proved long-lasting, with no booster currently recommended.

One last point, because it gets left out of the male conversation entirely: vaccinating men also protects their partners. Transmission runs both ways, and a man who is vaccinated is not passing on the subtypes that cause cervical cancer.

If you are considering HPV vaccination for yourself or a family member, or want to discuss genital warts or HPV-related concerns, Dr. Soarawee Weerasopone offers specialist consultations at Bangkok Hospital Headquarters. 진료 예약. 사미즈 시라차 병원 예약은 비뇨기과로 전화하여 하실 수 있습니다. 088-022-1445.

Frequently Asked Questions about HPV Vaccination

What is HPV and why is it dangerous?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted viral infection worldwide. While most infections resolve on their own within 2 years, persistent infection with high-risk strains – particularly types 16 and 18 – can lead to cervical cancer in women, penile cancer in men, and anal or oropharyngeal cancer in both sexes. Low-risk strains cause genital warts, which are not cancerous but are cosmetically distressing.

Should men get the HPV vaccine?

Yes. HPV vaccination is recommended for both males and females. In men, it reduces the risk of penile cancer, anal cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, and genital warts. Gardasil and Gardasil 9 are approved for use in males. Vaccinating men also reduces HPV transmission to female partners, contributing to population-level cancer prevention.

At what age should HPV vaccination be given?

HPV vaccination is most effective when given before the first sexual exposure. The CDC recommends vaccination starting at age 11–12, ideally before adolescence. The schedule is 2 doses for those under 15, and 3 doses for those 15 and above. Vaccination can still provide benefit in older individuals who have not been previously vaccinated, particularly for genital wart prevention, though beyond the mid-twenties it becomes an individual decision rather than a routine recommendation.

What is the difference between Gardasil, Cervarix, and Gardasil 9?

Gardasil protects against 4 HPV strains (types 6, 11, 16, 18) and is suitable for both sexes, but it has largely been superseded and is no longer distributed in many countries. Cervarix protects against 2 strains (types 16, 18) and is licensed for females only. Gardasil 9 is the most comprehensive vaccine, covering 9 strains and protecting against about 90% of HPV-related cancers and most genital warts. It is the preferred vaccine for both males and females.

Can I still get HPV even if I use a condom?

Yes. While condoms significantly reduce HPV transmission risk, they do not provide complete protection because HPV can infect skin areas not covered by a condom. Studies show that even individuals with a single lifetime partner who consistently use condoms can contract HPV. This is why vaccination is strongly recommended in addition to safe sexual practices, as it provides the most reliable protection against high-risk strains.

고지 사항: 이 콘텐츠는 방콕병원 본원의 공인 비뇨기과 전문의인 소라위 위라소폰(Soarawee Weerasopone) 박사가 작성하고 검토했습니다. 교육 목적으로만 제공되며 의학적 조언에 해당하지 않습니다. 개인 메시징 채널을 통해 의학적 조언, 진단 또는 처방은 제공되지 않습니다. 의학적 치료를 시작하기 전에 항상 자격을 갖춘 의료 전문가와 상담하십시오.

의학적 작성 및 검토: 소아라위 웨라소폰 박사(Dr. Pom) — 방콕 병원 본점 공인 비뇨기과 전문의, 2016년부터 비뇨기과 진료 중. 수련: 대만 창 Gung 기념병원 로봇 수술(2019) · 연수: 도쿄 준텐도 대학 병원 내비뇨기과(2022) · 연구원 및 임상 참관인, 미국 베이로 의과대학 스콧 비뇨기과(2025–2026).

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