HPV Infection: One out of every three men worldwide is HPV infected, Know what is this disease, and who is at risk of it?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been a major health risk globally, which can have a variety of side effects that can affect health. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI), which health experts recommend everyone continue to make efforts to prevent. Researchers have made a big claim in a recent study regarding the increasing risks of HPV.

In a study published in The Lancet Global Health Journal, a team of scientists reported that almost one in three men over the age of 15 is a victim of HPV infection, which can be a major health risk.

Researchers said, one in five men may have more than one type of HPV infection. Men often contract genital HPV infections, which can have serious risks that require continued efforts to prevent them.

Know about HPV infection
Health experts explain, that HPV is a viral infection that usually causes the accumulation of cells in the skin or mucous membranes. There are over 100 varieties of HPV.

WHO Director Meg Doherty says, “This global study on the prevalence of genital HPV infection in men confirms how widespread HPV infection is becoming over time. , may also increase the risk of penile and anal cancer, which is also considered to have life-threatening side effects.

Risk of this infection in women too
In the study, the team of researchers found that HPV-16 is the most prevalent HPV genotype. Its prevalence was highest among young adults, with people aged 25 to 29 being most likely to suffer from this infection.

The team of researchers says that most HPV infections in men and women are asymptomatic, although they can cause long-term side effects and even death. Every year more than 340,000 women die from cervical cancer, which is also a type of this.

What to do to prevent HPV infection?
The International Agency for Research on Cancer estimates that there were approximately 69,400 cases of cancer in men caused by HPV in 2018. The global risk of this disease is seen increasing over time, and all people are advised to take precautions.

To prevent this type of infection, it is important to always have safe sex. The safest way to prevent genital HPV infection is to avoid having sex with an infected person.

(PC: Freepik)