Within the last few years the connection between high-risk HPV types and cancers of the cervix, penis and anus has been understood. Since human papillomavirus affects both sexes equally, should men also be vaccinated?

Team@CMHF

HPV is a sexually transmitted disease that most people associate with genital warts, a temporary but somewhat repugnant condition. But the more dangerous potential side effects of HPV infection are not as well known.

By age 50, about 80 percent of women are estimated to have or have had an HPV infection. In fact, the vast majority of HPV infections never show symptoms and heal on their own. Their immune systems work behind the scenes to clear it up, and they never know they’ve had it.

A study shows that condoms have been shown to work in lowering the risk of acquiring HPV. They aren’t perfect, but they are pretty effective.

An HPV vaccine has been on the market and recommended for girls and young women for several years now, but has been slow to catch on. HPV vaccination rates are low because people either haven’t heard about the vaccine or find it difficult to keep it in mind with all the other recommended childhood shots and checkups.

There is ongoing debate over whether boys and young men should also receive the HPV vaccine.

Reference: http://news.health.com/2011/09/23/stress-the-human-in-hpv-one-man-suggests/