(November 14, 2008 - Insidermedicine) Gardasil, a vaccine used in women to prevent genital warts and cancers related to the human papillomavirus (HPV), also prevents genital warts in men, according to research presented to the European Research Organization on Genital Infection and Neoplasia (EUROGIN).

Here is some information on HPV:

•    It is a common sexually transmitted infection that usually results in no symptoms at all.

•    Some people who contract HPV may develop genital warts.

•    Often, the immune system gets rid of HPV within two years, but persistent infection is linked with an increased risk for several cancers.

In an international study, Merck & Co. Inc, the manufacturers of Gardasil, gave either the vaccine or a placebo to about 4,000 males aged 16 to 26. The investigators presented an interim analysis of this ongoing study.

After about 30 months, only 15 of those who received the vaccine developed persistent genital warts, compared with 101 of those who received a placebo. That translates to a 90% efficacy rate for the vaccine.

Today’s research demonstrates that, like in women, Gardasil helps prevent genital warts in men. It remains to be seen, however, whether it can also reduce the risk of HPV-related cancers in men.

For Insidermedicine in Depth, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.