The sexually transmitted disease carried by half of the men

Neither men nor women are taking the necessary measures to prevent a contagion that, if it continues with current trends, could become massive.The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) with more cases today. However, most infected are not aware of carrying it. 

HPV is a series of about 150 viruses that attack different parts of the body. The group of HPV that affect the genital areas are those transmitted through sexual intercourse. Once contracted, men are the transmitters.

The severity of the mass contagion is that the virus can develop different types of cancer - specifically in women - such as cervical, vaginal and anus.

A new study published last week in the scientific journal JAMA Oncology found that nearly half of American men (42 percent) under 60 have HPV, which translates to about 35 million men. Twenty-five percent of them are infected with the HPV type defined as "high risk" and are those that are directly associated with the development of cancers.

Most surprising is that only 11 percent of US men had received the vaccine. This is important because, according to the study, timely vaccination in the case of men could have a greater effect on HPV transmission and "cancer prevention" in both men and women.

In addition to ignorance about the disease, its spread and its prevention, another reason why fewer people get vaccinated against the virus is the cost of injections: in Mexico, each of the three shots costs between 700 and 3 thousand pesos

In the United States something similar happens: "Vaccination coverage against the virus is low," the study said. The researchers also aim to increase public interest in the low numbers of vaccinated patients, in contrast to the high prevalence.

Dr. Jasmine Han, who led the study at the Womack Army Medical Center in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, told The Huffington Post that there is a "very efficient" vaccine that could eradicate HPV that is associated with cancer in both men As in women, although "the prevalence is still high despite availability."

According to the Specialized Group on Women's Health in Mexico, the importance of the virus, in addition to the inherent relationship they have with cervical cancer, are skin infections, "affects the mucous membranes of the anogenital, oral (mouth and throat) and respiratory tract larynx)". The most frequent lesions are skin warts and warts on the soles of the feet, they say.