Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common
sexually transmitted diseases (
STDs) and is frequently presented clinically as anogenital
warts in both males and females. There is a high rate of transmission of HPV in female partners of men with pre-existing penile
warts, and
HPV infection in men has been shown to contribute to
HPV infection and subsequent cervical disease in women. HPV is associated with significant morbidity and represents a substantial healthcare burden. Data indicate that males experienced a longer duration of
genital warts and incurred greater treatment costs than women. The
quadrivalent vaccine, the first
vaccine to be approved for use in adolescent and young women aged 9 to 26 years for the prevention of
cervical cancer and
genital warts, targets HPV types -6, and -11 (responsible for
genital warts), and HPV types-16 and -18 (involved in
cervical cancer). Pharmacoeconomic data determined that routine administration of a prophylactic quadrivalent
HPV vaccine to 12-year-old males and females in addition to catch-up vaccination of 12- to 24-year-old males and females, within the setting of organized
cervical cancer screening within the US, was the most cost-effective strategy. It is also anticipated that widespread use of
vaccines that offer protection against HPV-6 and -11 could potentially reduce the workload at STD clinics by approximately 10% without a substantial impact on the diagnosis and treatment of other
STDs. To optimally control transmission of HPV, consideration should be given to vaccinating males as well as females.