ESSM Newsletter # 37

11 ESSM Today Key from Kols: Human papillomavirus infection in males: The time is now! In 2013 the Australian government extended the program to include 12- to 13-year-old males, including a 2-year catch-up vaccination program for those ages 14 to 15 years. About 70% have received all three doses for boys, with a high compliance about the vaccination program. Con- sequently, Australian researchers were among the first to report reductions in the prevalence of vaccine-type HPV infections, by 76-86% in 18- to 24-year-olds. The advantage for males and females is clearly demonstrated. Some issues should be improved: ■ the ideal age for vaccination ■ the dosing ■ the type of vaccine Administration of vaccines is ideally done prior to sexual debut for both males and females for the greatest impact. However, several experi- ence demonstrated that the advantage of HPV vaccination in males are high even if performed after the first sexual debut. Moreover, the herd and cross-protection contribute further to the impact of the vaccines. The vaccine should be offered to: ■ young boys before first sexual intercourse ■ males with genital warts after ablation ■ males who are partner of HPV positive women ■ males with high risk sexual behaviour Finally, males vaccination has the advantage of reducing the risk of HPV transmission to sexual partners, lowering the infectious pool of HPV in the general population and ultimately HPV-related diseases for both genders. Moreover, it is worthwhile that all countries consider and promote national guidelines and programs to prevent HPV- related diseases. References Bartoletti R, Cai T, Meliani E et al (2014) Hu- man papillomavirus infection is not related with prostatitis-related symptoms: results from a case–control study. Int Braz J Urol 40(2):247–256 Cai T, Wagenlehner FM, Mondaini N, D'Elia C, Meacci F, Migno S, Malossini G, Mazzoli S, Bartoletti R. Effect of human papillomavirus and Chlamydia trachomatis co-infection on sperm quality in young heterosexual men with chronic prostatitis-related symptoms . BJU Int. 2014 Feb;113(2):281-7. Forman D, de Martel C, Lacey CJ et al (2012) Global burden of human papillomavirus and related diseases. Vaccine 30 (Suppl 5): F12–F23. Giuliano AR, Lee JH, Fulp W et al (2011) Inci- dence and clearance of genital human papil- lomavirus infection in men (HIM): A cohort study . Lancet 377(9769):932–94 Kjaer SK, Munk C, Winther JF, Jørgensen HO, Meijer CJ, van den Brule AJ (2005) Acquisition and persistence of human papilloma-virus infection in younger men: a prospective fol- low-up study among Danish soldiers. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 14(6):1528–1533. Lai-yang L, SM. Garland. Human papillomavi- rus vaccination: the population impact . F1000 Faculty Rev:866 Last updated: 12 JUN 2017. 21st World Meeting of the International Society for Sexual Medicine 20th Congress of the European Society for Sexual Medicine Jointly organized by: www.issmessm2018.org SAVE THE DATE