Welcome to Episode 51 of the Gent’s Talk podcast with Dr. Jia Hu. Dr. Hu is a public health and preventive medicine specialist physician. This episode is sponsored by Merck, a leading pharmaceutical company. As June is Men’s Health Month, Dr. Jia joined us to discuss men’s health. More specifically, human papillomavirus (HPV) and the dangers of this STI.
See Also: Gent’s Talk: Ep. 50 – A Sit-Down w/ Dr. Jessica O’Reilly
HPV
HPV has been more publicly linked to women (because of cervical cancer), but human papillomavirus is the most common STI for all. 3 out of 4 Canadians will get it sometime in their lifetime. Not to be confused with HIV or HSV(herpes), HPV is a very different virus. HPV can be transmitted via vaginal, anal, and oral sex with someone carrying the virus. We learned that it can also be spread through close skin-to-skin contact during sex. A person with this virus can pass through asymptomatic shedding when transmitted to someone else, even if they’re not experiencing any symptoms.
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In most cases, our body’s immune system can naturally fight off HPV, but if left untreated, Dr. Jia informed us that this virus could cause health problems like genital warts. It is also the leading cause of head and neck cancer in men. Practicing safe sex is always urged, but to combat the lethal effects of this virus, it is recommended to get an HPV vaccination.
Vaccination
The HPV vaccine is safe and has effectively been given to boys in junior high since 2017 (in Ontario). The goal is always to build awareness, and whatever can be done to combat cancer is a step in the right direction. Although the vaccination is not free after age of 18, most health plans cover the cost. Check with your family doctor if you have been vaccinated, and constantly get tested for sexually transmitted diseases regularly.
Please tune into Episode 51 for the entire conversation with Dr. Jia Hu. We also discussed when men should start getting routine physicals, how cancer works, and the importance of physical health. HPV can most effectively be treated through the vaccine. Remember to practice safe sex, and if you have any questions, we urge you to talk to your family doctor or local pharmacist.
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About Gent’s Talk
Bulova Canada presents Episode 51 of Gent’s Talk, available for streaming on Youtube, Spotify, Goodpods, iHeartRadio, Apple and Google Podcasts! You can now catch Season 1 & 2 on all Air Canada flights! Your continued support throughout this journey is appreciated. Thank you!
