HPV Vaccine for Gay and Bisexual Men
HPV vaccine is generally recommended for young girls; however Gay and Bisexual Men can also benefit.
What is the HPV Vaccine?
We feel that this vaccine should be available to men who have sex with men to protect against AIN and anal cancers as well as unsightly external genital warts.
How can I get myself immunised against HPV?
Gardasil vaccination protects against infection (or reinfection) with 4 strains of HPV virus: 6,11,16,18. It is given as 3 doses. The 2nd vaccination is given 2 months after the initial dose, and the 3rd a further 3 months after this. (It is possible that booster doses may be required in the future but the timing of this is not yet clear.)
What is HPV?
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is primarily acquired through sexual intercourse and can infect the cells of the cervix, vagina, vulva and anus.
Although most ano-genital infections clear without intervention within 1-2 years, persistent infection with high risk types can cause abnormal changes within the cells which may ultimately result in cancer.
Why should I have the Vaccine? / Why am I at risk?
HPV is estimated to cause around 80-95% of anal cancers and 30-50% of penile cancers. In the same way that cervical cells can be infected with HPV and undergo abnormal change to CIN (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia) and pre cancerous cells, the anal cells can undergo a change known as AIN (anal intraepithelial neoplasia) and ultimately develop into invasive anal cancers.
These anal cancers are becoming increasingly prevalent in men who have sex with men, particularly in those who have HIV infection.
-Ref: Parkin DM, Bray F Chapter 2 :the burden of HPV related cancers. Vaccine 2006 ;24(supplement 3):11-25.
HPV has many subtypes, the most common of which are types 6, 11, 16 and 18.
Types 6 and 11 cause external genital warts which often require prolonged treatment using creams or freezing with liquid nitrogen.
Types 16 and 18 are responsible for the majority of the cell changes which can lead to cancers as described above.
To book an appointment call the Regents Park Clinic in Harley Street, London or St Ann's Square Manchester on 0844 257 0660
