He stated he is in a serious relationship with his girlfriend and plans to marry next year, describing his personal life as "uncomplicated". Thus, when he noticed unusual lesions in his genital area, his initial reaction was panic.

"The disease was just discovered, and I don't know if it's serious," Nam recounted.

Initially, he hesitated to seek medical attention, fearing judgment. He also worried his girlfriend might misunderstand, believing he was unfaithful. For several days, Nam searched for information online, becoming increasingly confused by the abundance of content. Eventually, when the lesions persisted, he visited a medical facility for examination.

The doctor explained that genital warts are a common sexually transmitted infection, with over 90% of cases caused by HPV types 6 and 11. Most HPV infections are asymptomatic and resolve spontaneously, but persistent infection can lead to related diseases, precancerous conditions, and cancer. Discovering the condition should not immediately be interpreted as evidence of an unhealthy lifestyle or infidelity in a relationship.

A man receives health counseling from a doctor. *Vecteezy*

The doctor advised Nam to follow treatment and monitoring guidelines, emphasizing not to self-medicate or attempt to treat the lesions at home. He was also encouraged to discuss the situation calmly with his girlfriend. Additionally, Nam received counseling on signs requiring follow-up visits, methods to reduce transmission risk, and appropriate HPV prevention measures.

This experience prompted Nam to change his approach to self-care. He maintained his regular exercise and balanced diet. Nam also adopted the habit of not dismissing signs in his private areas and proactively consulting a doctor with reproductive health concerns.

Nam represents many young men who are now more attentive to self-care, encompassing fitness, appearance, sleep, and nutrition. However, reproductive health remains a topic often avoided. A 2017 study on STI testing in New Zealand, conducted among 24 individuals aged 19-32, identified barriers such as underestimating risk, perceiving STIs as non-serious, fear of invasive procedures, stigma, and shame. Another study from 2023 on men's sexual health care, citing previous research, indicated a low utilization rate of sexual health services among men, as they often feel vulnerable and stressed, believing these services are primarily geared towards women or heteronormative perspectives.

This disparity may stem from certain perceptions of masculinity. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), specific notions of masculinity can encourage men and boys to smoke, take sexual and health risks, misuse alcohol, and avoid seeking medical help or care. This can make men uncomfortable discussing reproductive health. Some men might default to viewing HPV as a women's issue, as the virus is frequently associated with cervical cancer, gynecological examinations, or screenings.

A couple researches health information online. *Vecteezy*

HPV is a family of viruses, with over 200 types identified to date, more than 30 of which are commonly transmitted through sexual contact. The primary routes of HPV transmission are vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Men have a higher rate of HPV infection than women.

Currently, there is no approved HPV screening method for men. Symptoms of HPV infection can develop many years after sexual contact with an infected person. Therefore, for men, health care should not begin with the mindset of waiting for clear symptoms before seeking information or medical examination.

Men should be aware of unusual signs in the genital or anal regions. Symptoms of anal cancer include: rectal bleeding; an itchy sensation in or near the rectal area; the appearance of a lump or mass at the anal opening; pain or a feeling of fullness in the anal area; narrowed stools or unusual changes in bowel habits. Additionally, other signs include unusual discharge from the anus; loss of bowel control; or swollen lymph nodes in the anal or groin area. For genital warts, typical symptoms are small, discolored or grayish growths appearing on the genitals, causing itching and bleeding during sexual intercourse.

When men have concerns about reproductive health, sexually transmitted diseases, or HPV, they should consult a healthcare professional rather than attempting self-treatment or delaying care due to embarrassment.

Preventing HPV and related conditions begins with proactive daily health care, including: maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding smoking, increasing physical activity, adopting proper nutrition, practicing safe and healthy sexual relations, and actively protecting oneself with the recommended HPV vaccine. It also involves regular cervical cancer screenings for women aged 21 to 65, as advised by medical professionals. According to some studies, voluntary male circumcision may help reduce the risk of HPV infection.

Increasing physical activity is one way to prevent HPV. *Vecteezy*

Psychologically, men can view reproductive health care as a way to nurture relationships, demonstrating respect for their own bodies and those of their partners. Topics such as health check-ups, safe sex, HPV prevention, family planning, or addressing unusual symptoms should be considered a normal part of maturity and responsibility in a relationship.

Young men can start with accessible actions: reading information from reliable sources, not dismissing a partner's concerns, seeking medical attention for unusual symptoms, consulting a doctor with questions, and viewing reproductive health as an integral part of personal health care.

Van Ha