The thought that a virus could cause cancer baffled the medical community when cervical cancer was attributed to the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) in 2008. Now considered responsible for a large majority of new cervical cancer cases, HPV has also been credited to causing vaginal, penile, anal and oropharyngeal cancers.     

Luckily, advancements in vaccinations have reduced the threat of contracting HPV, and two FDA-licensed vaccines are now available and strongly recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

Cervarix and Gardasil have been shown to prevent cervical cancers in women and are very safe. They contain harmless particles from the virus capable of initiating an immune response and protection, but  are unable to cause any harm to the body.

Both vaccine types are given intravenously and require three doses over a six-month period.

HPV has been commonly considered a virus affecting women with the threat of cervical cancer.

However, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the CDC strongly urges males to receive the vaccination as well, indicating men are just as susceptible and vulnerable to the effects of the virus  – anal cancer being one of the primary concerns. It’s well worth braving the syringe. In addition to preventing cancer, the HPV vaccine prevents the spread of HPV, as well as many other undesirable side effects.

HPV infections cause nearly 7,000 cancers in men each year, validating the need for sexually active men to consider getting vaccinated, primarily men engaging in anal and oral sex.

HPV is also one contributing factor to the generation of genital warts, originating from sexual activity.

Considering that every one in 100 sexually active adults in the U.S has genital warts at any given time, this virus is easily transmissible and highly prevalent.

However, vaccinating men will also benefit female partners, since vaginal sex with infected males is the primary method for transmitting HPV.

Currently, only Gardasil has been tested and licensed for males. Common side effects of the vaccine include fever, headache and nausea.

A vaccine that may eliminate cancer, albeit a specific form and not in 100 percent of cases, is a physician’s dream come true.

This vaccination has the potential to save over 4,000 lives each year –  the amount of female deaths due to cervical cancer.

While not as convenient and simple as a flu vaccination, any measure to prevent the spread of HPV is well worth the extra effort.