The challenging approach to the management of male partners of HPV-positive women

Jacob Bornstein; Pedro Vieira-Baptista; Colleen Stockdale; Mario Preti; Elmar Joura; Eduardo Schejter

doi:10.1080/21645515.2025.2515753

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The challenging approach to the management of male partners of HPV-positive women

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

The challenging approach to the management of male partners of HPV-positive women

Jacob Bornstein, Pedro Vieira-Baptista, Colleen Stockdale, Mario Preti, Elmar Joura and Eduardo Schejter

Human vaccines & immunotherapeutics, Vol.21(1), 2515753

12/2025

DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2025.2515753

PMCID: PMC12169029

PMID: 40511955

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https://doi.org/10.1080/21645515.2025.2515753View

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Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection globally, with significant implications for both individual and public health. While management protocols for HPV-positive women are well-defined, limited and controversial guidance exists for their male partners, creating challenges in clinical practice. This commentary aims to turn the attention to the clinical, psychological, and preventive considerations for male partners of HPV-positive women, emphasizing the need for evidence-based recommendations. It presents the psychological impact of HPV on couples, and the role of preventive measures such as vaccination. Key focus areas included partner notification, HPV testing in men, and risk-reduction strategies. HPV infections in male partners can lead to conditions ranging from genital warts to HPV-associated cancers. Despite the absence of routine HPV testing for men, targeted interventions, including vaccination, have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing HPV transmission and associated cancer risks. The management of male partners of HPV-positive women remains an underexplored and controversial domain, necessitating the development of comprehensive, evidence-based guidelines. Integrating vaccination, partner counseling, and targeted clinical approaches could address existing gaps and ensure equitable care for both partners.

Female

Humans

Male

Papillomavirus Infections - diagnosis

Papillomavirus Infections - prevention & control

Papillomavirus Infections - psychology

Papillomavirus Infections - transmission

Papillomavirus Vaccines - administration & dosage

Sexual Partners - psychology

Vaccination

Details

Title: Subtitle: The challenging approach to the management of male partners of HPV-positive women
Creators: Jacob Bornstein - Bar-Ilan University
Pedro Vieira-Baptista - Universidade do Porto
Colleen Stockdale - University of Iowa
Mario Preti - Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
Elmar Joura - Medical University of Vienna
Eduardo Schejter - Woman Health Center and Lower genital tract unit, Maccabi HMO, Tel-Aviv, Israel
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Human vaccines & immunotherapeutics, Vol.21(1), 2515753
DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2025.2515753
PMID: 40511955
PMCID: PMC12169029
NLM abbreviation: Hum Vaccin Immunother
ISSN: 2164-554X
eISSN: 2164-554X
Publisher: TAYLOR & FRANCIS INC
Language: English
Date published: 12/2025
Academic Unit: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Record Identifier: 9984829025202771

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