One in Two Adult Men Infected with HPV: A Look at 3 Key Prevention Points
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) has long been labeled a concern only for women, but in reality, one in two adult men are infected. A urologist presented three key prevention points: men are also a high-risk group for infection, vaccination is encouraged, and abnormal changes should not be ignored. He warned that since 'protecting each other's health' is part of an intimate relationship, men can be asymptomatic carriers, bringing infection risk into their partnerships.
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- 📰 Published: May 20, 2026 at 12:49
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(CNA, Taipei, May 20, by reporter Chen Chi-ling) Human Papillomavirus (HPV) has long been labeled as an issue only women need to pay attention to. However, one in two adult men are actually infected with HPV. A doctor highlights three key prevention points: men are also a high-risk group for infection, he urges vaccination, and advises not to ignore abnormal changes.
Today is "520 I Love You Day," and many people express their affection with confessions and gifts. Dr. Yang Kai-fu, director of a private urology clinic, specially chose today to disseminate correct HPV knowledge through a press release. He advocates that "protecting each other's health" is a part of an intimate relationship, reminding that men can not only get infected with HPV but may also have their diagnosis delayed due to a lack of obvious symptoms, further bringing the risk of infection into their partnerships.
"Many men only start to take HPV seriously when their partner has an abnormal smear test, they develop lesions themselves, or they worry about sexually transmitted diseases," said Dr. Yang. He noted this is a common scenario in urology clinics. Statistics show that one in two adult men has a genital HPV infection. However, men often do not notice the infection, and there are no routine screening tools, making it easier for them to overlook the risk while asymptomatic.
"The characteristic of being 'asymptomatic but potentially persistently infected' is where HPV in men is most easily underestimated. Dr. Yang further pointed out that another cunning aspect of HPV is that it cannot be completely blocked by condoms. This is because HPV is a virus that can invade the body through tiny wounds in the skin. With the diversification of sexual behaviors, the incidence of oral condyloma has also been seen to increase.
Dr. Yang stated that studies both domestically and internationally show that about 60%, and possibly up to 90%, of the population has been infected with HPV. One should not assume they are immune just because they have a simple social life. Data indicates that one in every two couples shows signs of HPV infection, and it is definitely not enough for just one party to take precautions. Since most people do not experience immediate discomfort, they do not proactively get checked. By the time abnormalities appear, the infection may have been persistent.
Dr. Yang proposed three key points for HPV prevention. First, stop viewing HPV as an infection only women have to face; men are also potential infectors, transmitters, and a high-risk group for related diseases. Second, if you are sexually active, if your partner has abnormalities, if you have ever had genital warts, or if you have concerns about your own risk, you should proactively discuss HPV vaccination with a doctor.
Third, even without symptoms, do not ignore abnormal changes in the urogenital area and the importance of joint prevention with a partner. Dr. Yang said, "520 can be a day to express love, but from a doctor's..."
Today is "520 I Love You Day," and many people express their affection with confessions and gifts. Dr. Yang Kai-fu, director of a private urology clinic, specially chose today to disseminate correct HPV knowledge through a press release. He advocates that "protecting each other's health" is a part of an intimate relationship, reminding that men can not only get infected with HPV but may also have their diagnosis delayed due to a lack of obvious symptoms, further bringing the risk of infection into their partnerships.
"Many men only start to take HPV seriously when their partner has an abnormal smear test, they develop lesions themselves, or they worry about sexually transmitted diseases," said Dr. Yang. He noted this is a common scenario in urology clinics. Statistics show that one in two adult men has a genital HPV infection. However, men often do not notice the infection, and there are no routine screening tools, making it easier for them to overlook the risk while asymptomatic.
"The characteristic of being 'asymptomatic but potentially persistently infected' is where HPV in men is most easily underestimated. Dr. Yang further pointed out that another cunning aspect of HPV is that it cannot be completely blocked by condoms. This is because HPV is a virus that can invade the body through tiny wounds in the skin. With the diversification of sexual behaviors, the incidence of oral condyloma has also been seen to increase.
Dr. Yang stated that studies both domestically and internationally show that about 60%, and possibly up to 90%, of the population has been infected with HPV. One should not assume they are immune just because they have a simple social life. Data indicates that one in every two couples shows signs of HPV infection, and it is definitely not enough for just one party to take precautions. Since most people do not experience immediate discomfort, they do not proactively get checked. By the time abnormalities appear, the infection may have been persistent.
Dr. Yang proposed three key points for HPV prevention. First, stop viewing HPV as an infection only women have to face; men are also potential infectors, transmitters, and a high-risk group for related diseases. Second, if you are sexually active, if your partner has abnormalities, if you have ever had genital warts, or if you have concerns about your own risk, you should proactively discuss HPV vaccination with a doctor.
Third, even without symptoms, do not ignore abnormal changes in the urogenital area and the importance of joint prevention with a partner. Dr. Yang said, "520 can be a day to express love, but from a doctor's..."