Being Infected with HPV can lead to Serious Heath Concerns   by Martin Work

in Health / Diseases and Conditions    (submitted 2011-04-13)

There are many different types of human papillomavirus (HPV), but there are four that are the most common. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), HPV types 6 and 11 are responsible for nearly 90 percent of genital warts in both men and women. HPV types 16 and 18 cause 75 percent of cervical cancer in women. Other cancers such as vulvar cancer and vaginal cancer are also often caused by infections of HPV 16 and 18. Although most men and boys usually only suffer genital warts due to HPV, in some cases they too can contract cancer from the disease.

A Vaccination Exists

Although the HPV vaccine Gardasil is most often prescribed to girls the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of the vaccine in boys age 9 and up. This means that parents of both boys and girls must make the decision as to whether or not to vaccinate their children. There are many arguments on both sides of the issue. There are some parents that are not in favor of vaccinations since they feel no long term studies have proven that the vaccination is 100 percent safe. Many parents also feel that it is an unnecessary vaccination to get at such an early age since the threat of HPV is through sexual contact and they do not think that is an issue for grade school age children. Other parents simply cannot afford the cost of the three part series of vaccinations. Advocates of the vaccination feel that the proven side-effects are minimal and it is better to be safe than sorry. Although the consequences can be much more severe for girls infected with HPV is believed that vaccinating boys will help slow the spread of the disease to unvaccinated girls. In the coming years this is sure to remain a hotly debated issue. Since the vaccine is not yet required for admission to school it remains a matter of choice.

About the Author

Martin is a healthcare professional. He believes it is important for everyone to be informed about HPV in men.