The HPV virus infects skin and mucous membranes, causing warts, cellular changes, and potentially serious long‑term health complications. Many people incorrectly believe HPV in boys causes harm, yet studies prove it triggers cancers in male patients.
Dr Sehrawat from AIIMS highlights effective early vaccination and regular screening to protect boys from HPV‑related diseases. Readers will explore risks, prevention strategies, and expert advice on understanding HPV in boys clearly.
Breaking the Myth: HPV Is Not Just a Women’s Health Concern
Dr. Priyanka Sehrawat from AIIMS shared an Instagram reel emphasizing that HPV in boys is a serious concern. She explained that HPV can cause genital warts, which may lead to itching or discomfort. More importantly, she warned that high-risk HPV strains can increase the risk of throat, anal, and penile cancers in boys.
The expert points out that HPV in boys spreads easily and can stay hidden for years in the body. She stresses early vaccination for HPV in boys aged nine to fourteen and catch‑up shots until twenty‑six. It is also recommended to screen for people aged twenty‑six to forty‑five to detect HPV in boys early.
Health Risks for Boys: From Warts to Cancer
HPV in boys can cause genital warts that itch or burn, warns Dr Sehrawat. Next, she adds that high‑risk strains may lead to throat cancer later in life. Also, boys can develop anal cancer, though it remains rare.
Then, penile cancer can emerge decades after infection if left unchecked. Finally, she notes that early symptoms often go unnoticed, so awareness about HPV puts boys in critical situation.
Why Vaccination Matters: Doctor’s Advice for Parents and Teens
Dr. Sehrawat recommends the HPV vaccine for boys between the ages of nine and fourteen. She also advises catch-up doses for those up to age twenty-six who missed the early vaccination. For adults aged twenty-six to forty-five, she emphasizes the importance of screening and counselling.
She highlights that clinical trials have shown HPV vaccines reduce infection rates by over 90%. Finally, she urges parents to take timely action to protect boys from the serious risks associated with HPV.
Shielding the Next Generation: How Boys Can Stay Protected Against HPV
First, initiate open talks about safe practices and HPV in boys at home. Next, schedule vaccination appointments before teens turn fifteen. Also, maintain regular health checkups, including throat and anal exams if needed.
Then, encourage boys to avoid risky behaviours like unprotected sexual encounters. Finally, sharing reliable resources so teens understand why preventing HPV in boys remains vital.
Early action can stop HPV in boys before it causes lasting harm. So, follow Dr Sehrawat’s advice and protect the young’s lives.