Anogenital wart caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection. High-risk strains, such as types 16 and 18, cause penile cancer in men, cervical and vulvar cancers in women, and head and neck cancers and anal cancer in both sexes. Since these malignant tumors can be prevented through vaccination, the importance of vaccination is emphasized. However, because HPV is known to cause cervical cancer, vaccination is only being administered to women. Some countries vaccinate men as well, but in South Korea, only girls are included in the National Immunization Program. However, screening for HPV in men is not possible, and the virus causes various malignant tumors, with a sharp increase in head and neck cancers, as well as a surge in genital warts in the country. In addition, HPV worsens sperm quality. Moreover, the need for vaccines is increasing as the known methods for preventing HPV-related diseases in men are decreasing and the disease burden is increasing. As cost-effectiveness studies have shown that the cost-effectiveness of vaccination is lower for men than for women, it is unlikely that male vaccination will be included in national immunization programs. Many countries overseas, especially a very small number of OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) countries including South Korea, are implementing mandatory vaccination for women. Vaccinating men and women, would be cost-effective and efficient in achieving herd immunity. In addition to herd immunity, the inclusion of male vaccination in the National Immunization Program is imperative given the rapidly increasing incidence of diseases in men.

Anogenital wart caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection. High-risk strains, such as types 16 and 18, cause penile cancer in men, cervical and vulvar cancers in women, and head and neck cancers and anal cancer in both sexes. Since these malignant tumors can be prevented through vaccination, the importance of vaccination is emphasized. However, because HPV is known to cause cervical cancer, vaccination is only being administered to women. Some countries vaccinate men as well, but in South Korea, only girls are included in the National Immunization Program. However, screening for HPV in men is not possible, and the virus causes various malignant tumors, with a sharp increase in head and neck cancers, as well as a surge in genital warts in the country. In addition, HPV worsens sperm quality. Moreover, the need for vaccines is increasing as the known methods for preventing HPV-related diseases in men are decreasing and the disease burden is increasing. As cost-effectiveness studies have shown that the cost-effectiveness of vaccination is lower for men than for women, it is unlikely that male vaccination will be included in national immunization programs. Many countries overseas, especially a very small number of OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) countries including South Korea, are implementing mandatory vaccination for women. Vaccinating men and women, would be cost-effective and efficient in achieving herd immunity. In addition to herd immunity, the inclusion of male vaccination in the National Immunization Program is imperative given the rapidly increasing incidence of diseases in men.

Anogenital wart caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection. High-risk strains, such as types 16 and 18, cause penile cancer in men, cervical and vulvar cancers in women, and head and neck cancers and anal cancer in both sexes. Since these malignant tumors can be prevented through vaccination, the importance of vaccination is emphasized. However, because HPV is known to cause cervical cancer, vaccination is only being administered to women. Some countries vaccinate men as well, but in South Korea, only girls are included in the National Immunization Program. However, screening for HPV in men is not possible, and the virus causes various malignant tumors, with a sharp increase in head and neck cancers, as well as a surge in genital warts in the country. In addition, HPV worsens sperm quality. Moreover, the need for vaccines is increasing as the known methods for preventing HPV-related diseases in men are decreasing and the disease burden is increasing. As cost-effectiveness studies have shown that the cost-effectiveness of vaccination is lower for men than for women, it is unlikely that male vaccination will be included in national immunization programs. Many countries overseas, especially a very small number of OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) countries including South Korea, are implementing mandatory vaccination for women. Vaccinating men and women, would be cost-effective and efficient in achieving herd immunity. In addition to herd immunity, the inclusion of male vaccination in the National Immunization Program is imperative given the rapidly increasing incidence of diseases in men.

Anogenital wart caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection. High-risk strains, such as types 16 and 18, cause penile cancer in men, cervical and vulvar cancers in women, and head and neck cancers and anal cancer in both sexes. Since these malignant tumors can be prevented through vaccination, the importance of vaccination is emphasized. However, because HPV is known to cause cervical cancer, vaccination is only being administered to women. Some countries vaccinate men as well, but in South Korea, only girls are included in the National Immunization Program. However, screening for HPV in men is not possible, and the virus causes various malignant tumors, with a sharp increase in head and neck cancers, as well as a surge in genital warts in the country. In addition, HPV worsens sperm quality. Moreover, the need for vaccines is increasing as the known methods for preventing HPV-related diseases in men are decreasing and the disease burden is increasing. As cost-effectiveness studies have shown that the cost-effectiveness of vaccination is lower for men than for women, it is unlikely that male vaccination will be included in national immunization programs. Many countries overseas, especially a very small number of OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) countries including South Korea, are implementing mandatory vaccination for women. Vaccinating men and women, would be cost-effective and efficient in achieving herd immunity. In addition to herd immunity, the inclusion of male vaccination in the National Immunization Program is imperative given the rapidly increasing incidence of diseases in men.

Anogenital wart caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection. High-risk strains, such as types 16 and 18, cause penile cancer in men, cervical and vulvar cancers in women, and head and neck cancers and anal cancer in both sexes. Since these malignant tumors can be prevented through vaccination, the importance of vaccination is emphasized. However, because HPV is known to cause cervical cancer, vaccination is only being administered to women. Some countries vaccinate men as well, but in South Korea, only girls are included in the National Immunization Program. However, screening for HPV in men is not possible, and the virus causes various malignant tumors, with a sharp increase in head and neck cancers, as well as a surge in genital warts in the country. In addition, HPV worsens sperm quality. Moreover, the need for vaccines is increasing as the known methods for preventing HPV-related diseases in men are decreasing and the disease burden is increasing. As cost-effectiveness studies have shown that the cost-effectiveness of vaccination is lower for men than for women, it is unlikely that male vaccination will be included in national immunization programs. Many countries overseas, especially a very small number of OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) countries including South Korea, are implementing mandatory vaccination for women. Vaccinating men and women, would be cost-effective and efficient in achieving herd immunity. In addition to herd immunity, the inclusion of male vaccination in the National Immunization Program is imperative given the rapidly increasing incidence of diseases in men.

Urine is no longer considered to be sterile. After the existence of the microbiome was revealed through metagenomic analysis using next-generation sequencing, the relationship between characteristics of the microbiome and diseases have been studied and published in various journals. A microbiome exists in the urinary tract and is associated with urinary tract infection, malignancy of the genitourinary tract, and lower urinary tract symptoms. Based on the urine sampling method, sampling site, culture method, and sex, the characteristics of the microbiome vary. Most of the Lactobacillus species are identified mainly in women, and various other species are identified in men. These microorganisms can cause or prevent various diseases. Variations in the microbiome are seen in those with and without disease, and an asymptomatic status does not indicate the absence of microbes. This microbiome has been implicated in a variety of lower urinary tract symptoms and diseases, in particular, overactive bladder. The microbiome differs between patients with urgency and urge urinary incontinence and healthy individuals. There are many aspects of the microbiome yet to be studied in relation to other lower urinary tract symptoms.

Purpose: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections affecting both males and females but there is an apparent lack of knowledge and apprehension towards male HPV vaccination South Korea. The purpose of the present study was to examine the associations between knowledge and perceptions of male HPV vaccination and vaccination intent among Korean mothers of adolescent sons. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using a nationwide online survey. The independent variables were mothers’ sociodemographic characteristics, history of HPV diagnosis, general HPV knowledge, HPV vaccine knowledge, and attitudes and beliefs towards male HPV vaccination. The outcome variable was mothers’ intent to vaccinate their sons, which was classified into three categories: non-intent, undecided and intend to vaccinate. We performed univariate analysis and multinomial logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 906 eligible mothers completed the survey. Mothers received low scores on the HPV-related knowledge scales with low ratings on the scale measuring perceived risk of HPV. Approximately 10% of the mothers intended to vaccinate their sons against HPV, 61.0% were undecided and 1.5% already had their sons vaccinated. According to the multinominal logistic regression analysis, having a daughter in the family, mothers’ previous diagnosis with HPV, general HPV knowledge, influence, harm, and risk were significantly associated with being undecided and having intentions to vaccinate their sons (p<0.05). Conclusions Our study revealed that Korean mothers are generally less aware of male HPV vaccination, have low perceived risk of HPV, and remain highly hesitant on vaccinating their sons against HPV. It is therefore important to raise public awareness about male HPV vaccination and alleviate vaccine hesitancy. Such efforts will contribute to improving parents’ vaccination intent, increasing vaccine uptake among male adolescents and prevention of HPV-associated diseases.

Purpose: The revision of the 2023 Guidelines for the Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) has been released. Hence, it is necessary to analyze the current status of STI treatments in Korea. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to urologists and gynecologists from December 2022 to January 2023 through an online survey program. Three hundred and forty-one urologists and 302 gynecologists responded to the questionnaire. Results: For Neisseria gonorrhea treatment, ceftriaxone 500 mg and 100 mg of doxycycline twice daily for seven days were most preferred by urologists (22.58%).The treatment most preferred by gynecologists (15.23%) was 500 mg of ceftriaxone and 1 g of azithromycin in a single dose. Both urologists and gynecologists generally treat Chlamydia trachomatis according to the treatment guidelines. For treating Mycoplasma genitalium, 29.03% of urologists preferred administering azithromycin at 500 mg once daily, followed by 250 mg for four days. In contrast, 33.11% of gynecologists preferred doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for seven days. Conclusions Most urologists and gynecologists followed the treatments recommended in the 2nd edition of the STI treatment guidelines, revised in 2016.As many treatment regimens have changed because of the recent increase in antibiotic-resistant STIs, there is a need to encourage them to follow the new treatment guidelines.

Purpose: The revision of the 2023 Guidelines for the Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) has been released. Hence, it is necessary to analyze the current status of STI treatments in Korea. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to urologists and gynecologists from December 2022 to January 2023 through an online survey program. Three hundred and forty-one urologists and 302 gynecologists responded to the questionnaire. Results: For Neisseria gonorrhea treatment, ceftriaxone 500 mg and 100 mg of doxycycline twice daily for seven days were most preferred by urologists (22.58%).The treatment most preferred by gynecologists (15.23%) was 500 mg of ceftriaxone and 1 g of azithromycin in a single dose. Both urologists and gynecologists generally treat Chlamydia trachomatis according to the treatment guidelines. For treating Mycoplasma genitalium, 29.03% of urologists preferred administering azithromycin at 500 mg once daily, followed by 250 mg for four days. In contrast, 33.11% of gynecologists preferred doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for seven days. Conclusions Most urologists and gynecologists followed the treatments recommended in the 2nd edition of the STI treatment guidelines, revised in 2016.As many treatment regimens have changed because of the recent increase in antibiotic-resistant STIs, there is a need to encourage them to follow the new treatment guidelines.

Purpose: The revision of the 2023 Guidelines for the Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) has been released. Hence, it is necessary to analyze the current status of STI treatments in Korea. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to urologists and gynecologists from December 2022 to January 2023 through an online survey program. Three hundred and forty-one urologists and 302 gynecologists responded to the questionnaire. Results: For Neisseria gonorrhea treatment, ceftriaxone 500 mg and 100 mg of doxycycline twice daily for seven days were most preferred by urologists (22.58%).The treatment most preferred by gynecologists (15.23%) was 500 mg of ceftriaxone and 1 g of azithromycin in a single dose. Both urologists and gynecologists generally treat Chlamydia trachomatis according to the treatment guidelines. For treating Mycoplasma genitalium, 29.03% of urologists preferred administering azithromycin at 500 mg once daily, followed by 250 mg for four days. In contrast, 33.11% of gynecologists preferred doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for seven days. Conclusions Most urologists and gynecologists followed the treatments recommended in the 2nd edition of the STI treatment guidelines, revised in 2016.As many treatment regimens have changed because of the recent increase in antibiotic-resistant STIs, there is a need to encourage them to follow the new treatment guidelines.