HPV 是什麼？人人都可能遇到
人類乳突病毒（HPV）是全球最常見的性傳染病，幾乎所有性活躍的人一生中都可能感染。它透過皮膚接觸即可傳播，不需性交即可感染。
雖然許多感染會在兩年內自然消失，但部分高風險型 HPV 可能導致子宮頸癌、喉癌與肛門癌。
多數感染者沒有明顯症狀，但部分型別會引起生殖器疣或甚至癌症，這也是為什麼了解 HPV 很重要。生活小提醒：即使伴侶沒有症狀，你仍可能感染 HPV。
定期篩檢發現無聲威脅：HPV 與癌症
並非所有 HPV 感染都會造成健康問題，但高風險型別可能帶來長期影響。像 HPV 16 與 18 就占全球至少 70% 的子宮頸癌病例。
問題在於，這些癌症通常在晚期才顯現症狀，因此很難靠感覺察覺。定期篩檢，例如抹片檢查與 HPV DNA 測試，能讓你在早期發現異常細胞，提早採取行動，保護自己免於 HPV 高風險後果的最佳策略。
男女有別：HPV 對誰的影響更大？
HPV 對男女都有影響，但呈現方式不同。
女性應從 21 歲起定期進行抹片檢查，以早期發現子宮頸異常，並依年齡接受 HPV 測試。男性目前尚無 FDA 核准的 HPV 篩檢方法，但應留意生殖器或肛門異常，尤其是高風險族群如免疫力低下者。男性和女性感染 HPV 的症狀與風險略有不同，但共同原則是：早期發現、及時監控。
守護自己，從疫苗開始！
公費疫苗深入校園，成年後施打也有效！
好消息是，HPV 可以有效預防。HPV 疫苗(Gardasil 9) 能保護你免於九種常見高風險型別感染，建議在 11-12 歲接種，成人 27-45 歲也可補種。除了疫苗，安全性行為與規律健康檢查同樣不可少。
日常生活中，保持健康生活習慣、避免多重性伴侶、提升免疫力，加上使用保險套，都是降低感染風險的簡單又有效方法。
台灣自 2025 年 9 月起，將公費 HPV 疫苗接種對象擴大至全體國中生（男女皆含），採校園接種方式施打。疫苗與定期檢查相輔相成，是對抗 HPV、守護健康的最佳組合。
What Is HPV? A Common Yet Overlooked Virus
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide, and nearly all sexually active individuals will encounter it at some point in their lives. It spreads through skin-to-skin contact, meaning sexual intercourse isn’t necessary for transmission.
While many HPV infections resolve naturally within two years, certain high-risk strains can lead to cervical, throat, or anal cancers.
Most people show no noticeable symptoms, yet some strains can cause genital warts—or, in rare cases, cancer. This is why understanding HPV is essential. A gentle reminder for your everyday wellness: even if your partner shows no symptoms, you could still be at risk of infection.
The Silent Risk:HPV and Cancer
Not every HPV infection leads to health problems, but high-risk strains can have lasting consequences. HPV types 16 and 18 account for at least 70% of cervical cancer cases worldwide.
The challenge is that these cancers often show no symptoms until later stages, making them hard to detect by feeling alone. Regular screenings, such as Pap smears and HPV DNA tests, help catch abnormal cells early, allowing timely intervention.
Men, Women, and HPV: Different Risks, Same Virus
HPV affects both men and women, but shows up differently.
Women are advised to start Pap smears at 21 and follow up with HPV tests as they age.Men don’t yet have an FDA-approved screening, but should stay alert for unusual changes, especially if their immune system is weak.
Bottom line: HPV looks different across genders, but early detection and regular check-ins are key.
Protect Yourself, Start with Vaccines
Here’s the good news: HPV is preventable. The Gardasil 9 vaccine protects against nine common high-risk types and is recommended for kids aged 11-12, with catch-up doses available for adults 27-45. Vaccination is essential—but so is practicing safe sex and keeping up with regular health check-ups.
Everyday habits also make a difference. Staying healthy, limiting sexual partners, boosting immunity, and using condoms are simple yet effective ways to reduce your risk.
In Taiwan, starting September 2025, the government will expand free HPV vaccination to all junior high students—both boys and girls—through school-based programs. Combining vaccines with regular screenings is the ultimate strategy to stay ahead of HPV and protect your health.
