31% of Men Worldwide Have Genital Human Papillomavirus

A recent study published in the Lancet Global Health aimed to understand the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in men. The review and meta-analysis estimated that 31% of men worldwide have genital HPV.

Although many studies have evaluated the disease in women, this study provides additional insights into the prevalence across males. According to the Lancet Global Health, HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs), with most men and women acquiring one or more HPV infections in their lifetime.

Before this publication, the most recent study that gathered data on HPV prevalence in men was published in 2011. However, the variations in prevalence were broad, ranging from 1% to 93%, depending on risk factors and location.

Investigators searched several major databases, including Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, and the Global Index Medicus. Including studies published between Jan 1, 1995, and June 1, 2022, the researchers extrapolated data from 65 studies across 35 countries.

These studies included data from 44,769 men who were 15 or older when they were conducted. HPV diagnoses were confirmed through PCR or hybrid capture 2 techniques for HPV DNA detection. Approximately 31% of men had an HPV diagnosis, with HPV-16 being the most common HPV infection.

Additionally, 21% of men between 18 and 24 were diagnosed with high-risk HPV. Other trends identified in this study included higher HPV rates among young adults between 25 and 29.

These statistics were consistent in Europe, North America, Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, Australia, and New Zealand. However, the rates were significantly lower in Eastern and South-Eastern Asia.

Understanding the prevalence of HPV can help researchers and public health experts understand the disease spread and tailor prevention strategies to affected communities. HPV has historically been linked to penile, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers, contributing to nearly 70,000 male cancer incidences in 2018. With over 200 HPV infections and at least 12 linked to increased cancer risk, harm reduction strategies are vital to managing public health.

“These estimates emphasize the importance of incorporating men in comprehensive HPV prevention strategies to reduce HPV-related morbidity and mortality in men and ultimately achieve elimination of cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases,” noted researchers in the study.