An international team of researchers, including experts from Spain, Belgium, and the United States, reports that roughly one in three adult men harbors at least one type of genital human papillomavirus (HPV). These findings come from a large-scale analysis published in a leading scientific journal, Lancet Global Health (Lancet Global Health).
The publication summarizes a systematic review that examined 65 studies conducted between 1995 and 2022. In total, about 45,000 men aged 15 and older participated in these investigations, providing a broad view of HPV prevalence across diverse populations and regions (Lancet Global Health).
From the meta-analysis, the global prevalence of any HPV type in men is estimated at 31%, while about 21% of men carry an HPV type with a high oncogenic potential. The two most frequently detected high-risk types are HPV-16, found in approximately 5% of men, and HPV-18-like strains, commonly reported as HPV-6 in some summaries, observed in about 4% (Lancet Global Health).
The study also notes a striking age pattern: HPV prevalence tends to peak among men aged 25 to 29 years in several regions, including Europe, North America, sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Australia, and New Zealand. This peak reflects a convergence of behavioral factors, exposure opportunities, and the natural history of HPV infection, which tends to be most detectable shortly after sexual debut and early adult years (Lancet Global Health).
These results underscore the global reach of genital HPV among men and highlight the importance of awareness, prevention strategies, and ongoing surveillance. They also align with broader epidemiological patterns observed in diverse populations, reinforcing the relevance of routine sexual health discussions, risk-reduction practices, and vaccine considerations across countries (Lancet Global Health, attribution).
Understanding HPV-related risk in men is crucial because infection can occur with or without visible symptoms, and certain high-risk types are linked to cancers of the genitals, anus, and oropharyngeal region. Public health authorities emphasize vaccination for eligible individuals as a preventative measure that can reduce transmission and subsequent disease burden, alongside safe sex practices, regular health checkups, and education about HPV nuances for men who have sex with men and heterosexual populations alike (Lancet Global Health, attribution).
While condoms provide a significant barrier that reduces HPV transmission compared with no protection, they do not fully eliminate the risk. HPV can infect areas not covered by a condom, so other preventive steps—most notably vaccination and routine screening where appropriate—remain essential components of a comprehensive approach to sexual health for both men and women (Lancet Global Health, attribution).