The HPV Vaccine Is Also Available For Men.

UPDATE 10:26 – News sources are talking about a recently published study (New England Journal of Medicine) that shows the HPV vaccine does work for men and should be promoted more for men.
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It’s been a while since the HPV vaccine was approved for use in men, but based on the advice of one of my readers and friends, I thought I’d remind everyone again. I personally believe that everyone (and I mean *everyone*) should get the HPV vaccine (I’m referring to Gardasil here, not Cervarix. Gardasil protects against the 4 common types of HPV.) Here are a few reasons to get vaccinated.

• Over 80% of the population will be infected with HPV in their lifetime.This is an alarmingly large number, mainly because many people who are infected with HPV will not have any symptoms. This is especially dangerous because they can pass it on to others without knowing they have it.
• There is no way to test for HPV and you only know you have it when warts or growths appear. since many strains do not show warts but only contribute to an increased risk of cancer, this can be a silent and deadly threat. I hate to spread fear on sex-related issues, but the solution is clear – the most common strains that cause warts and cancer are preventable with the HPV vaccine – it makes no sense to put yourself at risk by not getting vaccinated.
• The HPV vaccine is 100% effective in preventing the four most common strains of HPV and protects against strains that are associated with 70% of HPV-related cervical cancer cases. (In addition, the vaccine protects against anal, penile, and vulvar cancers, as well as cancers of the mouth and throat. This is not just to protect against “female” cancers – HPV apparently affects men as well, although cervical cancer is more common.
• If you are between the ages of 9-26, you can get the vaccine for free . Many locations (such as Kaiser Permanente and Planned Parenthood) will offer free vaccinations to targeted populations. These vaccinations are subsidized by the government. If the cost of vaccinations is too high, try different clinics and ask if you can get the vaccine for low or no cost for a small donation.
• Human papillomavirus causes cervical cancer – a fact that is not often understood by the public. If we prevent HPV by getting vaccinated, we can prevent many cervical cancers from occurring.
• Of course, HPV is not the most dangerous sexually transmitted disease – most people have it, the symptoms usually go away on their own, and it rarely leads to serious illness or death. But it is highly preventable, and regular pap smears combined with the vaccine can reduce a woman’s risk. However, the vaccine is the only way to reduce the risk of infection in men. No, HPV is not the most dangerous sexually transmitted disease, but it is preventable and treatable… It just can’t be cured.

Stay safe!
Source of advice.
Muñoz N, Bosch FX, Castellsagué X, Díaz M, de Sanjose S, Hammouda D, Shah KV, Meijer CJ (2004-08-20).” Which human papillomavirus types should we target for vaccination and screening? An international perspective”. int J Cancer 111 (2): 278-85.