If men take HPV vaccines, it can help prevent their female counterparts from being infected with HPV. (image: Pixabay)
SEOUL, Sept. 28 (Korea Bizwire) – The number of South Korean men taking the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which can prevent cervical cancer, is increasing.
The HPV vaccine for adults should be given three times at a certain interval. On average, it takes about six months to complete the inoculation of the vaccine.
Considering that HPV is transmitted through sexual contact, there is an increasing awareness among Korean men that it is a good idea to be vaccinated for HPV even if the process is lengthy, to ensure their own health as well as that of their significant other.
If men take HPV vaccines, it can help prevent their female counterparts from being infected with HPV.
In addition, it’s desirable for men to receive the HPV vaccine since HPV can cause infection or condyloma in the anus and reproductive organs through sexual contacts.
“It’s a misunderstanding that only women should get the HPV vaccine,” said a man in his 20s who took the HPV vaccine in November last year.
However, there are some who complain that the cost of getting the HPV vaccine is high, at around 500,000 won (US$425), and burdensome.
Experts recommend that the scope of free vaccination that is now limited to female juveniles younger than 12 years of age should be expanded further to allow both men and women to get the HPV vaccine as early as possible.
“Given that men can be a medium for HPV infection through sexual contact, it’s better for men and women to take HPV vaccines at the same time.” said Cho Chi-heum, a professor of gynecology at Keimyung University Dongsan Hospital.
J. S. Shin (js_shin@koreabizwire.com)
