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In a relationship but not vaccinated or screened against HPV? Risky!

Every relationship has its challenges – don’t let HPV-related cancers be among them. Preventive measures can help protect you and your partner.

In a relationship
but not vaccinated
or screened against
HPV? Risky!

Every relationship has its challenges – don’t let
HPV-related cancers be among them. Preventive
measures can help protect you and your partner.

HPV in Relationships

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of viruses comprising over 100 different strains.3 Among these, 40 HPV strains infect genital areas, with some strains carrying a larger risk than others.3

Low-risk HPVs

Low-risk HPVs may cause no symptoms.4 About 90% of genital warts are caused by non-cancerous HPV types 6 and 11.3,4 Other HPV strains cause warts on the skin of different body areas.4

High-risk HPVs

High-risk HPV strains are associated with cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancer in women, and an increased risk of anal or penile cancer in men.3 Among these, HPV types 16 and 18 are responsible for most HPV-related cancers.3

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the world. Approximately 80% of men and women will be infected with HPV at some point in their lifetime.9 An HPV infection is not evidence of unfaithfulness, and most sexually active couples will inevitably share HPV strains.10

It’s important to discuss HPV with your partner because it affects them too.

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About HPV

A 2014 study showed that 1 in 10 healthy Singaporean women are infected with HPV.11 The risk of infection was highest in those aged between 20 and 24, with one-fifth infected with high-risk HPVs (HPV- 51, 16, 52, 58, 66).11

In 2020, an estimated 309 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer, mostly among those aged 15-45 years, while 172 succumbed to the disease.12 In comparison, new cases of penile cancer in men and anal cancers in men and women were low, accounting for a total of 30 and 60 cases, respectively.12

Patient Stories

Our advocates share their stories on the importance of protection against HPV.

Cervical cancer survivor Ai Ling and her advocacy for HPV awareness
Cervical cancer survivor Ai Ling and her advocacy for HPV awareness
Genevieve’s fight for cervical cancer and HPV awareness
Genevieve’s fight for cervical cancer and HPV awareness
Why Teri champions the battle against cervical cancer and HPV
Why Teri champions the battle against cervical cancer and HPV

HPV prevention

Take steps to lower your risk of getting HPV and diseases caused by HPV.

The HPV vaccine helps protect against many HPV strains associated with genital warts and HPV-related cancers.<sup>3</sup> It can be given to children as young as 9 years and adults up to age 45, and is most effective when given before being sexually active.<sup>3</sup>

HPV vaccination

The HPV vaccine helps protect against many HPV strains associated with genital warts and HPV-related cancers.3 It can be given to children as young as 9 years and adults up to age 45, and is most effective when given before being sexually active.3
Condoms do not offer complete protection against HPV as they do not cover the entire genital area.<sup>7</sup> However, using them correctly can reduce the risk of HPV infections and other STIs.<sup>7</sup>

Safe sex

Condoms do not offer complete protection against HPV as they do not cover the entire genital area.7 However, using them correctly can reduce the risk of HPV infections and other STIs.7
Regular Pap smears and/or HPV tests and follow-ups can detect most cervical cancers at an early, treatable stage.<sup>6</sup>  Currently, the CDC does not recommend routine testing (also called ‘screening’) for HPV in men. CDC also does not recommend routine testing for diseases from HPV before there are signs or symptoms in men.<sup>13</sup> <br><br>Consult your doctor if you have symptoms or concerns about cancer.

Regular check-ups

Regular Pap smears and/or HPV tests and follow-ups can detect most cervical cancers at an early, treatable stage.6 Currently, the CDC does not recommend routine testing (also called ‘screening’) for HPV in men. CDC also does not recommend routine testing for diseases from HPV before there are signs or symptoms in men.13

Consult your doctor if you have symptoms or concerns about cancer.

Speak to your doctor today

Help protect yourself and others from the spread of HPV.

Copyright © 2024 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates. All rights reserved. SG-HPV-00359 Feb/2023
This site is intended for Singapore residents. Visit the Malaysia site.
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