KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Men and boys might soon be using a vaccine which prevents the Human Papillomavirus types 16, 18, 6, and 11. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States and types 16 and 18 account for 70 percent of the nation’s cervical cancer cases.

Since the vaccine hit the market in the summer of 2005, one in four women between the ages of 9 and 26 have received an HPV vaccine.

On Wednesday, drug makers tried to convince the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that the vaccine is safe and effective for men.

East Tennessee medical professionals and both men and women told Volunteer TV News that they believe the vaccine should be administered to both sexes.

"I got it to prevent cervical cancer," said Allie Connaster.

While the vaccine prevents two types of HPV mostly responsible for cervical cancer, it also prevents two types of HPB that cause genital warts.

Carolyn Moore from Knoxville’s Planned Parenthood likes the idea of immunizing both sexes.

"There are women who aren't going to get it so if we can prevent men from spreading it, that would help a lot in preventing cervical cancer,” she aid. “Men and boys would receive the direct benefit of preventing genital warts for themselves as well."

Connaster also agreed with that opinion.

"I think it's a good idea,” she said. “If guys could transfer it to girls then I think they should have to get the shot, too."

Even men who would receive the vaccine are open to the idea.

"I think if it helps prevent the spread of cervical cancer from men to women then it can be advantageous,” said Justin Kennon. “My question is, ‘what would be the side affects on the male side?’"

Moore says the side affects are minimal, mostly confined to soreness at the injection site and possible fainting.

“You give me a thousand teenage girls and I can make two or three faint just showing them the needle,” she said. “It's not the vaccine itself; it's the mechanics of getting an injection that is causing the fainting spells."