GARDASIL®9 for Men
GARDASIL®9 is a vaccine that helps protect boys, men and individuals with a penis against 9 HPV types that can lead to certain HPV-related cancers and genital warts.
Some facts about HPV and GARDASIL®9
FACT:
An estimated 75% of sexually active Canadians will have at least one HPV infection in their lifetime.
FACT:
Certain HPV types can lead to genital warts and HPV-related cancers in men.
FACT:
It is estimated that every 15 minutes, one Canadian develops genital warts.
FACT:In 2020, it was estimated that the rate of oropharyngeal cancer was ~4x higher in males than females.
FACT:
Condoms may not be enough to protect you against HPV – they only protect the area they cover.
FACT:
Being in a monogamous relationship does NOT protect you from HPV infections.
FACT:In 2012, oropharyngeal cancer was the most common HPV-related cancer in Canada (1,335 cases of oropharyngeal cancer, followed by 1,300 cases of cervical cancer and 475 cases of anal cancer).
Signs and symptoms of HPV in men
Most men who have an HPV infection do not have any symptoms and most infections will go away without treatment. Genital warts are often the only visible sign that a person is infected. Persistent HPV infections in men can lead to certain head and neck cancers, such as throat and back of mouth cancers, and cancers of the anus.
There is no screening test for
HPV in men; HPV vaccination is
one of
the best ways to
help protect yourself.
Men should have regular health exams and can be examined by their
doctor
for genital warts caused by HPV and signs of HPV-related cancers.
HPV in men can lead to:
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(WARNING: Graphic content)
Small, cauliflower-like growths that may itch or burn. They can be raised or flat, small or large, and grow alone or in clusters.
Photograph courtesy of Dr. Alex Ferenczy
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(WARNING: Graphic content)
Symptoms can include anal bleeding, difficulty passing stools, pain, lumps, itching or discharge.
Photograph courtesy of Dr. Alex Ferenczy
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(WARNING: Graphic content)
Symptoms can include a lump or sore in the head and neck area that does not heal, a sore throat that doesn’t go away, white or red patches in the mouth, difficulty swallowing or a change in the voice.
Photograph courtesy of Dr. Anthony ZeitouniHow to help reduce your risk
HPV vaccination is one of the top ways to help protect yourself against certain HPV-related cancers and diseases.
You can also help reduce your risk of HPV infection by:
Limiting your number of sexual partners
Using a condom correctly and consistently
Not smoking
Help protect yourself against certain HPV-related cancers and diseases
Find out how you can get your
GARDASIL®9
vaccine in 3
simple steps!
You can also begin the process by connecting with a
virtual healthcare provider and finding a vaccination site near you.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. GARDASIL®9 can be administered in individuals ages 9 to 45, to help protect against infection caused by HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58 and the following diseases caused by HPV:
- Certain head and neck cancers, such as throat and back of mouth cancers caused by HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58. GARDASIL®9 has been issued market authorization with conditions for this indication pending the results of trials to verify its clinical benefit
- Anal cancer caused by HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58
- Genital warts caused by types 6 and 11
- Abnormal and precancerous anal lesions caused by types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58
For more information about GARDASIL®9, talk to your healthcare professional.
Yes. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world today and can affect any man or woman who is sexually active. Men or women who have an HPV infection can spread the virus to their partner without knowing it because they may not have any visible symptoms or know they are infected.
Using condoms may reduce your chances of getting HPV, but it is highly contagious, and condoms do not provide full protection. It only protects the area it covers. A person can get infected from having vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who is infected – even from skin-to-skin sexual activity without penetration. That said, using a condom is a great way to reduce your risk of HPV infection, not to mention an excellent way to protect against other sexually transmitted infections.
For more information about GARDASIL®9, talk to your healthcare professional.
There is no screening test for HPV in men. Men can be examined by their doctor for genital warts caused by HPV and signs of HPV-related cancers. Most men who have an HPV infection do not have any symptoms. Genital warts are often the only visible sign that a person is infected.
Both men and women should visit a doctor for regular health exams if they think they are at risk of contracting HPV.
Have additional questions? Check out our FAQ page.
