Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Men (STDs in Men) »
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that are transmitted during any type of sexual exposure, including intercourse (vaginal or anal), oral sex, and the sharing of sexual devices, such as vibrators. In the professional medical arena, STDs are referred to as STIs (sexually transmitted infections). This terminology is used because many infections are frequently temporary. Some STDs are infections that are transmitted by persistent and close skin-to-skin contact, including during sexual intimacy. Although treatment exists for many STDs, others currently are usually incurable, such as HIV, HPV, hepatitis B and C, and HHV-8. Furthermore, many infections can be present in, and be spread by, patients who do not have symptoms.
The most effective way to prevent the spread of STDs is abstinence. Alternatively, the diligent use of latex barriers, such as condoms, during vaginal or anal...
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Human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause genital warts, cancer of the cervix, and various cancers of the vulva or vagina.
The quadrivalent (kwa-dri-VAY-lent) form of HPV vaccine (Gardasil) is used in both females and males. Another form of HPV vaccine (Cervarix) is used only in females. This medication guide provides information only for Gardasil.
HPV quadrivalent vaccine (Gardasil) is used to prevent genital warts and cervical/vaginal cancers caused by certain types of HPV (types 6, 11, 16, and 18) in girls and young women ages 9 through 26.
HPV quadrivalent vaccine is also used to prevent genital warts caused by HPV types 6 and 11 in boys and young men ages 9 through 26.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends HPV vaccine for all girls ages 11 or 12 years old. The vaccine is also recommended in girls and women ages 13 through 26 years old who have not already received the vaccine or have not completed all booster shots.
You may receive this vaccine even if you have already had genital warts, or had a positive HPV test or abnormal pap smear in the past. However, this vaccine will not treat active genital warts or HPV-related cancers, and it will not cure HPV infection.
HPV vaccine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
You should not receive a booster vaccine if you have had a life-threatening allergic reaction after the first shot.
Becoming infected with HPV is much more dangerous to your health than receiving the vaccine to protect against it. However, like any medicine, this vaccine can cause side effects but the risk of serious side effects is extremely low.
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
You may feel faint after receiving this vaccine. Your doctor may want you to remain under observation during the first 15 minutes after the injection.
Other side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report vaccine side effects to the US Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-822-7967.
The quadrivalent (kwa-dri-VAY-lent) form of HPV vaccine (Gardasil) is used in both females and males. Another form of HPV vaccine (Cervarix) is used only in females. This medication guide provides information only for Gardasil.
You should not receive a booster vaccine if you have had a life-threatening allergic reaction after the first shot.
Before receiving HPV quadrivalent vaccine, tell your doctor if you have a high fever or signs of infection, a weak immune system, a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia, or if you are taking a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin).
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends HPV vaccine for all girls ages 11 or 12 years old. The vaccine is also recommended in girls and women ages 13 through 26 years old who have not already received the vaccine or have not completed all booster shots.
HPV vaccine should not be used in place of having a routine pelvic exam and Pap smear to screen for cervical cancer.
You may receive this vaccine even if you have already had genital warts, or had a positive HPV test or abnormal pap smear in the past. However, this vaccine will not treat active genital warts or HPV-related cancers, and it will not cure HPV infection.
You may feel faint after receiving this vaccine. Your doctor may want you to remain under observation during the first 15 minutes after the injection.
Becoming infected with HPV is much more dangerous to your health than receiving the vaccine to protect against it. However, like any medicine, this vaccine can cause side effects but the risk of serious side effects is extremely low.
HPV vaccine will not protect against sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HIV, syphilis, and trichomoniasis.
Here is a collection of user reviews for the medication Gardasil sorted by most helpful.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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