The CDC has finally put out a recommendation for women ages 11 through 26 to receive the HPV vaccine, especially if they're not yet sexually active. Quite a few parents in the U.S. are still skeptical, somehow convinced that protecting your children from STIs (and some types of cancer) means they will become irresponsibly promiscuous. But the CDC says it's best to vaccinate children before they become sexually active so the immunization is more effective.

The new debate making headlines is about whether or not the CDC should recommend the vaccine for boys.

“Because it normally causes no symptoms, men and women can get it and pass it on without even knowing they have it,” Dr. Jean Bonhomme said.

In fact, most people who don't develop genital warts as a result of HPV don't even know they have it until it develops into cancer. And it's not just women turning up with HPV related cases of cancer anymore. About 800 cases of penile cancer and 1,100 cases of anal cancer are reported in men each year.

“Diseases like herpes and HPV cannot be completely prevented by condoms because they are both spread by contact with skin,” Bonhomme said. “If the virus comes into contact with the scrotum or thighs, you can still be infected.”

Add to that the fact that there is not yet a test for men for these cancers as there is for women, and preventing men from contracting HPV becomes that much more important.

So what's the holdup, already? The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization practices will be meeting again next month, and will further discuss the issue.