Numerous studies have suggested that the vaccine for human papillomavirus (HPV) strongly benefits young gay men, aidsmap reports. A syndicate of sexual health physicians have published an editorial in the journal Sexually Transmitted Infections in which they spotlight high rates of HPV-related anal disease in gay men and show how the vaccine is both cost-effective and beneficial to health when given to gay men younger than 26.

The vaccine Gardasil covers four strains of the virus. HPV 16 and 18 are the most high risk in terms of prompting the development of precancerous and cancerous cell changes in the anus. Compared with other risk groups, gay men have the highest incidence of HPV-related anal disease.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends all 11- and 12-year-old boys receive the vaccination, as well as males up to age 26.

The editorial notes that Gardasil was effective in a study of HIV-positive gay men. In those who began the study either infected or uninfected with HPV 16 or 18, the vaccine led 98 percent of the men to produce antibodies against the four high-risk strains of HPV.

To read the aidsmap story, click here.

To read the journal article, click here.