Both types of diseases are linked to HPV infection. Over 150 types of HPV affect both women and men. The virus spreads through intimate contact. But also through skin-to-skin contact. Often, the virus is found on the hands or mouth.

Protected sexual contact with a condom cannot prevent infection. Therefore, vaccination is important. From ages 11 to 19, the HPV vaccine can be administered to both girls and boys. The vaccine is covered by the health insurance system. The virus is associated with 6 types of cancer affecting both sexes.

Dr. Kenneth Alexander, specialist in infectious diseases: "Why should I vaccinate my son against HPV? Why should we vaccinate boys? There are two important reasons to vaccinate boys. First, vaccination schedules in countries that vaccinate both boys and girls show a decrease in the frequency of HPV-related diseases. And the second important reason is that men develop cancers associated with the HPV virus just like women. Men do not have a cervix, but what we see in men are head and neck cancers associated with the presence of the HPV virus. Vaccination prevents head and neck cancers associated with infection with this virus".

Dr. Kenneth Alexander, specialist in infectious diseases: "In Europe, North America and Australia, there are more men who die from head and neck cancers than women who die from cervical cancer associated with HPV infection. HPV infection causes serious illnesses in men".

The vaccine can prevent infection with HPV strains if administered before exposure to the virus.

Doctors must convince their patients to get vaccinated

Dr. Kenneth Alexander, specialist in infectious diseases: "I have heard many doctors in Romania say that people do not trust vaccines and do not trust doctors. It's all about the relationship the doctor has with their patient. And that's what doctors need to do - trust the relationships they build with patients and give firm and simple recommendations: 'This is what you need to do!'. I vaccinated both my daughters, in fact they were the first girls in Chicago vaccinated against HPV as soon as the vaccine became available, and now we are not afraid of cancers associated with this infection".

In adulthood, HPV vaccination does not replace cervical cancer screening.

Dr. Laura Mustață, specialist in obstetrics and gynecology: "If a woman comes in for a routine check-up and everything is fine today, we write standard periodic annual controls. These are preventive checks, Pap smears, we check the ovaries, uterus, we perform an ultrasound evaluation of the genital tract, these should not be ignored".

The Pap smear test detects potential cellular lesions. And classifies them. The treatment of lesions in the cervix involves their surgical removal. If we are talking about pre-cancerous lesions, once removed, the risk of cancer disappears. But if the virus is present, it can cause other lesions.