Gardasil?

[EeyoresButerfly]

I wanted your opinions on Gardasil, the HPV vaccine. My doctor wants me to get it since I only have two years of eligibility left, but I’m torn on the issue.

I’m not normally anti-vaccine, but this vaccine has not been around all that long. I also don’t necessarily see the point of getting a vaccine for an STD. My boyfriend and I are very committed to a Christian relationship, one in which sex takes place within a monogamous marriage. I mentioned this to my doctor, and she told me of a minister she knew who got it from his wife who had been widowed. She’s telling me that I never know what future will bring, but I’m still really on the fence about it. Perhaps this is naive, but if you knew that you had an STD, wouldn’t you inform your future spouse of that? Besides, it only guards against four of the strains which are only responsible for 80% of cervical cancers.

I’m just not seeing the point of it. If it were more established, or if it were something more communicable than something that requires genital to genital contact, I’d be probably follow her advice. But with this I’m just not sure.

 

[LilyM]

I wanted your opinions on Gardasil, the HPV vaccine. My doctor wants me to get it since I only have two years of eligibility left, but I’m torn on the issue.

I’m not normally anti-vaccine, but this vaccine has not been around all that long. I also don’t necessarily see the point of getting a vaccine for an STD. My boyfriend and I are very committed to a Christian relationship, one in which sex takes place within a monogamous marriage. I mentioned this to my doctor, and she told me of a minister she knew who got it from his wife who had been widowed. She’s telling me that I never know what future will bring, but I’m still really on the fence about it. Perhaps this is naive, but if you knew that you had an STD, wouldn’t you inform your future spouse of that? Besides, it only guards against four of the strains which are only responsible for 80% of cervical cancers.

I’m just not seeing the point of it. If it were more established, or if it were something more communicable than something that requires genital to genital contact, I’d be probably follow her advice. But with this I’m just not sure.

As committed as you both are, either or both of you could slip - we’re all human, after all, and none of us dare predict the future. For that matter (it needs saying) you could be raped. Either circumstance could result in you getting an STD.

And you might indeed inform your future spouse - but you can’t ever be certain that your future spouse would inform you. My parents as doctors have come across more than a few cases where people who are ill - with STIs as well - insist on not telling their fiancee or spouse.

Shame and embarrassment, unwillingness to believe they are unwell, possibly not even remembering having had sex in cases of childhood abuse - those are all real factors for a number of sufferers.

80% of cancers prevented? Why the ‘ONLY’ 80%? We take all sorts of health measures that are far less effective!

I understand your concerns about it being relatively new - at the same time you said (I think) that you’ve still got two years? Why not wait for at least a year if that’s the case.

 

[tampagrl]

I wanted your opinions on Gardasil, the HPV vaccine. My doctor wants me to get it since I only have two years of eligibility left, but I’m torn on the issue.

I’m not normally anti-vaccine, but this vaccine has not been around all that long. I also don’t necessarily see the point of getting a vaccine for an STD. My boyfriend and I are very committed to a Christian relationship, one in which sex takes place within a monogamous marriage. I mentioned this to my doctor, and she told me of a minister she knew who got it from his wife who had been widowed. She’s telling me that I never know what future will bring, but I’m still really on the fence about it. Perhaps this is naive, but if you knew that you had an STD, wouldn’t you inform your future spouse of that? Besides, it only guards against four of the strains which are only responsible for 80% of cervical cancers.

I’m just not seeing the point of it. If it were more established, or if it were something more communicable than something that requires genital to genital contact, I’d be probably follow her advice. But with this I’m just not sure.

Many doctors will push these things b/c it helps sell the drug, which makes the drug companies happy and well, somewhere someone’s getting something out of it, and that someone isn’t you. Sorry to sound all “conspiracy theorist” but I’d go w/your gut on this one - I’d avoid it.
After 10yrs of marriage and 3 kids (all Natural Family Planning babies), my same OB STILL tries to get me to go on the pill! I have absurdly weird cycles now…their answer? The pill! I got an eyelash in my eye…oh you need to get on the pill…it’s the catch all. Another example - I had to have my last child via c-section b/c he was breech. They must’ve asked me half-dozen times if I wanted my tubes tied “while they were in there”… right up until the point of them taking me into the OR…I told my husband to pay reeeally close attention to ensure that the only thing coming out of me was a baby. My point? We have a great insurance. Procedures make money. More procedures make more money. Drugs make money…you get it… stay strong…don’t let anyone try to talk (or scare) you into taking anything you’re not absoultely comfortable in taking.

 

[Ailina]

I wanted your opinions on Gardasil, the HPV vaccine. My doctor wants me to get it since I only have two years of eligibility left, but I’m torn on the issue.

I’m not normally anti-vaccine, but this vaccine has not been around all that long. I also don’t necessarily see the point of getting a vaccine for an STD. My boyfriend and I are very committed to a Christian relationship, one in which sex takes place within a monogamous marriage. I mentioned this to my doctor, and she told me of a minister she knew who got it from his wife who had been widowed. She’s telling me that I never know what future will bring, but I’m still really on the fence about it. Perhaps this is naive, but if you knew that you had an STD, wouldn’t you inform your future spouse of that? Besides, it only guards against four of the strains which are only responsible for 80% of cervical cancers.

I’m just not seeing the point of it. If it were more established, or if it were something more communicable than something that requires genital to genital contact, I’d be probably follow her advice. But with this I’m just not sure.

From what I understand, genital contact isn’t necessary in order to contract this disease. Condoms apparently don’t even protect against it, from what I have read. Any skin contact (even petting) can spread it.

My daughter will be getting vaccinated against it, because it is so easily contracted and so easily avoided with this vaccine. Since it is so common (75% of the adult population have HPV), it is better to err on the side of vaccination. I do have the strain of HPV that causes cancer (because not all spouses are faithful, as it turns out), and it is something I will have to watch out for as long as I live. I figure my daughter will face enough other health issues in her lifetime. Surely, she shouldn’t have to worry about one that can be stopped from spreading.

 

[EeyoresButerfly]

What concerns me is that there have been deaths with Gardasil and it has already been taken off the market once. When I took my class on psychopharmacology (for my degree) my professor made a comment that he would never take a new drug nor would he prescribe it because so often there are side effects that do not show up in clinical studies and many drugs end up pulled off the market. The newness of it is what scares me.

 

[kvw]

I wanted your opinions on Gardasil, the HPV vaccine. My doctor wants me to get it since I only have two years of eligibility left, but I’m torn on the issue.

I’m not normally anti-vaccine, but this vaccine has not been around all that long. I also don’t necessarily see the point of getting a vaccine for an STD. My boyfriend and I are very committed to a Christian relationship, one in which sex takes place within a monogamous marriage. I mentioned this to my doctor, and she told me of a minister she knew who got it from his wife who had been widowed. She’s telling me that I never know what future will bring, but I’m still really on the fence about it. Perhaps this is naive, but if you knew that you had an STD, wouldn’t you inform your future spouse of that? Besides, it only guards against four of the strains which are only responsible for 80% of cervical cancers.

I’m just not seeing the point of it. If it were more established, or if it were something more communicable than something that requires genital to genital contact, I’d be probably follow her advice. But with this I’m just not sure.

I don’t know the answer to your question, but you might find this article interesting: health.usnews.com/blogs/on-women/2009/03/20/cdc-takes-closer-look-at-gardasil-and-paralysis.html I think you are right in researching both sides of the argument whether or not to use Gardasil.

Also, I don’t know how many people are aware that childhood vaccinations have increased 260% in the last 20 years. generationrescue.com/vaccines.html Click “About Us,” and it is interesting to see who is on the board of directors of this group. I know this link is about childhood vaccines, but the trend of what manufacturers are selling and consumers are using, to me, is startling.

We know someone who is looking for another gynecologist over the issue of Gardasil and the physician relentlessly pushing it.

 

[EeyoresButerfly]

I’m not against the majority of vaccines. I actually work with a lot of kids with autism (special ed teacher) and have thoroughly researched the supposed link between autism and vaccines. I believe that vast majority of vaccines are safe. Having volunteered on a pediatrics ward, I have seen first hand what happens when parents do not vaccinate their kids. You can bet your boots that all my kids will receive the standard vaccines. This is the one I have the issue with, both in its intent (preventing an STD) and it’s newness.

 

[EeyoresButerfly]

Sorry for another post, but I’m wondering if the Church has taken a stance on Gardasil? I mean, they are against contraceptives, condoms, and artificial methods of fertilization as it interferes with God’s plan, wouldn’t a vaccine designed to prevent an STD do the same? To get an STD at least one spouse would have had to have multiple partners or engaged in activity that would allow the spread of the disease which are all prohibited. So wouldn’t it stand to reason that such a vaccine would be just as taboo as contraceptive?

 

[LilyM]

I’m not against the majority of vaccines. I actually work with a lot of kids with autism (special ed teacher) and have thoroughly researched the supposed link between autism and vaccines. I believe that vast majority of vaccines are safe. Having volunteered on a pediatrics ward, I have seen first hand what happens when parents do not vaccinate their kids. You can bet your boots that all my kids will receive the standard vaccines. This is the one I have the issue with, both in its intent (preventing an STD) and it’s newness.

I do understand the concerns at to its newness.

Otherwise, as to the aim, would you object to someone who had, say, already had chlamydia or gonorrhea taking the drugs which treat those two STIs? Why, and what is the difference between prevention and cure except that prevention, other things being equal, is preferable? Besides which, we’re not just talking about the STI, but the resulting cancer much more importantly. Which it is surely a reasonable aim to want to prevent.

Yes, you might say people shouldn’t be having sex. As I think has been pointed out, though, an awful lot of good people who do the right thing nonetheless get HPV and resulting cervical cancer. They have their lives destroyed by them, not to mention the lives of their families. That’s an awful lot of good people who certainly deserve to be spared this horror if possible.

For that matter I’d challenge you to go visit a cancer ward and tell us that anyone, no matter what their sins, shouldn’t be spared if it can be done.

 

[LilyM]

Sorry for another post, but I’m wondering if the Church has taken a stance on Gardasil? I mean, they are against contraceptives, condoms, and artificial methods of fertilization as it interferes with God’s plan, wouldn’t a vaccine designed to prevent an STD do the same? To get an STD at least one spouse would have had to have multiple partners or engaged in activity that would allow the spread of the disease which are all prohibited. So wouldn’t it stand to reason that such a vaccine would be just as taboo as contraceptive?

You’re comparing apples and oranges. You’re punishing both partners in the case of denying the vaccine for something that might only be the sin of one or, if rape is involved, possibly the fault of neither. And there’s no question of the vaccine interfering with fertility, which is the problem with contraception.

In any event it’s like saying that if a murderer is in their turn shot or knifed by someone we shouldn’t bother saving that murderer’s life. Wrong. All life, even the lives of sinners, has value and should be preserved where possible. That’s why the Church isn’t in favour of the death penalty in the vast majority of cases where it is currently being used.

Finally, would you suggest that someone who has heart disease or diabetes - or lung cancer - because they overeat, or are a smoker - shouldn’t be treated for that illness, that it shouldn’t be prevented if possible?

 

[EeyoresButerfly]

That makes sense. Didn’t think about it from that perspective.

 

[LilyM]

That makes sense. Didn’t think about it from that perspective.

My perspective comes from a beloved, though not saintly, relative who didn’t exactly have cancer but a stage of disease of the cervix that was mighty close to it. Thank the Lord it was caught and treated in time, she’s healthy and even proceeded to have two children afterwards. I certainly want her around as long as possible, for the sake of her husband and children as well as my own selfish reasons

Again, I totally get your concerns about the newness of the vaccine. I’m personally over the age for Gardasil, but I know there’s another vaccine for older women here in Australia. Might be worth talking to your doctor about. So don’t feel like you have to rush into it or anything.

 

[EeyoresButerfly]

My perspective comes from a beloved, though not saintly, relative who didn’t exactly have cancer but a stage of disease of the cervix that was mighty close to it. Thank the Lord it was caught and treated in time, she’s healthy and even proceeded to have two children afterwards. I certainly want her around as long as possible, for the sake of her husband and children as well as my own selfish reasons

Again, I totally get your concerns about the newness of the vaccine. I’m personally over the age for Gardasil, but I know there’s another vaccine for older women here in Australia. Might be worth talking to your doctor about. So don’t feel like you have to rush into it or anything.

That’s good to know that should I ever find myself in the situation where I need it there may be more options in the future. Thanks for sharing!

 

[shannyk]

I wanted your opinions on Gardasil, the HPV vaccine. My doctor wants me to get it since I only have two years of eligibility left, but I’m torn on the issue.

I’m not normally anti-vaccine, but this vaccine has not been around all that long. I also don’t necessarily see the point of getting a vaccine for an STD. My boyfriend and I are very committed to a Christian relationship, one in which sex takes place within a monogamous marriage. I mentioned this to my doctor, and she told me of a minister she knew who got it from his wife who had been widowed. She’s telling me that I never know what future will bring, but I’m still really on the fence about it. Perhaps this is naive, but if you knew that you had an STD, wouldn’t you inform your future spouse of that? Besides, it only guards against four of the strains which are only responsible for 80% of cervical cancers.

I’m just not seeing the point of it. If it were more established, or if it were something more communicable than something that requires genital to genital contact, I’d be probably follow her advice. But with this I’m just not sure.

eeyore if your fiancee is not a virgin I’d get it if I was you. Men have no symptoms of HPV but can pass it on. If he’s had partners before you there is a decent chance he could be carrying the virus. In this case, to me it only makes sense to get the vaccine IMHO. I had a hysterectomy at 27 from getting HPV from my husband who was not a virgin when we met, though I was. I was actually pregnant when I found out I had the cancer. That was partly my fault because I had neglected to go to the doc for 2 years or so in between my 2nd and 3rd children and this is when the cancer was proliferating. I was so busy will 2 kids school etc. I just didn’t make it a priority. Never miss your yearly checkups!! Had I had the vaccine available to me knowing what I know now, I would have taken it.:twocents:

The Church is in no way shape or form against getting vaccinated to prevent the spread of disease.

As for the safety factor, that is something no one can decide for you. ALL vaccines carry some degree of risk.

I hope you and your fiancee have a blessed marriage

 

[MarieVeronica]

Many doctors will push these things b/c it helps sell the drug, which makes the drug companies happy and well, somewhere someone’s getting something out of it, and that someone isn’t you. Sorry to sound all “conspiracy theorist” but I’d go w/your gut on this one - I’d avoid it.
After 10yrs of marriage and 3 kids (all Natural Family Planning babies), my same OB STILL tries to get me to go on the pill! I have absurdly weird cycles now…their answer? The pill! I got an eyelash in my eye…oh you need to get on the pill…it’s the catch all. Another example - I had to have my last child via c-section b/c he was breech. They must’ve asked me half-dozen times if I wanted my tubes tied “while they were in there”… right up until the point of them taking me into the OR…I told my husband to pay reeeally close attention to ensure that the only thing coming out of me was a baby. My point? We have a great insurance. Procedures make money. More procedures make more money. Drugs make money…you get it… stay strong…don’t let anyone try to talk (or scare) you into taking anything you’re not absoultely comfortable in taking.

I agree with “tampagrl”. These are words of wisdom. My agreement, is based on personal experience.

Within the last 3 years… my mother has been under the care of a really good neurologist (for her Alzheimer’s); when she first started seeing him, he did a review of all the medications she was taking (5, at the time). And found among them, that she had been prescribed TWO different medications for hypertension. He asked me if I knew why she was taking TWO different drugs for this. I had no answer, and told him that they had both been prescribed by her former primary care doctor. He did a little delving, and on her next visit… he took her OFF one of those drugs. He also eliminated 2 other medications, that she didn’t “need”… as we had been told, by the former “pcd”. Thankfully, she is now with a team of really good, ethical doctors. All of them… are careful and cautious about placing her on unnecessary drugs… or doing unnecessary procedures. She is taking only TWO drugs, and is doing extremely well… given all of her challenges.

My witness, to my mother’s experiences has had an effect on me. For the rest of my life, I will vigorously QUESTION any drugs or procedures recommended. You have the right to do that. It’s your body, after all. If a doctor can not or will not… give me a clear, concise, logical reason… for WHY I need any treatment… I will probably opt NOT to go along with it.

 

[karea]

I am 21, and my doctor always gives me a “drive-by advertisement” for Gardasil every time I go in. All my friends have gotten it, and even my sister is down my throat about it.

However, based on the fact that it has barely been studied, and that many adverse side effects are coming to light, I have not gotten it.

My boyfriend (hehe, actually, now my fiance’!) is not a virgin, but I am. Everyone strongly advocates I get it, but I’m going to wait it out instead. There is still so much information about Gardasil that we don’t know yet, and I trust pharmaceuticals with my well being with about as far as I can throw 'em. They are notorious for being corrupted, only caring about profits (the corruption surrounding the drug Halcion is a prime example–horrendous adverse reactions, its been proven that its dangerous, and that UpJohn falsified many test trials AND left out initial reactions in their clinical trial reports, and yet its STILL not off the market!).

If you don’t feel comfortable getting it, don’t. You don’t have to justify your reasoning to anyone else. My sister basically got up in my face about it and how its crucial for my health…but I’ll take care of my health in other ways thanks. I’m not against vaccines…I’ve gotten my MMR, meningitis, etc. I’m not getting anything this new that was pushed onto the market as quickly as it was though.

 

[sharmin]

Perhaps this is naive, but if you knew that you had an STD, wouldn’t you inform your future spouse of that? Besides, it only guards against four of the strains which are only responsible for 80% of cervical cancers.
.

Many people with HPV do not know they have it, which is why they don’t always inform their spouses.

 

[jwashu]

I wanted your opinions on Gardasil, the HPV vaccine. My doctor wants me to get it since I only have two years of eligibility left, but I’m torn on the issue.

I’m not normally anti-vaccine, but this vaccine has not been around all that long. I also don’t necessarily see the point of getting a vaccine for an STD. My boyfriend and I are very committed to a Christian relationship, one in which sex takes place within a monogamous marriage. I mentioned this to my doctor, and she told me of a minister she knew who got it from his wife who had been widowed. She’s telling me that I never know what future will bring, but I’m still really on the fence about it. Perhaps this is naive, but if you knew that you had an STD, wouldn’t you inform your future spouse of that? Besides, it only guards against four of the strains which are only responsible for 80% of cervical cancers.

I’m just not seeing the point of it. If it were more established, or if it were something more communicable than something that requires genital to genital contact, I’d be probably follow her advice. But with this I’m just not sure.

I believe the point of this vaccine is that HBV, unlike other “STD” can sometimes be obtained through non sexual relations. While I’m not sure if this is proven, those I know who have had it were infected for many years before they knew about it and it was only discovered when trying to get pregnant etc…

I would do some research on the virulity of the virus before making my decision.

Joe

 

[Cider]

I wouldn’t get it, and I have counseled my young adult daughter not to get it either.

 

[Miserissima]

I believe the point of this vaccine is that HBV, unlike other “STD” can sometimes be obtained through non sexual relations. While I’m not sure if this is proven, those I know who have had it were infected for many years before they knew about it and it was only discovered when trying to get pregnant etc…

I would do some research on the virulity of the virus before making my decision.

Joe

I am not sure about the efficacy of the vaccine, but someone very close to me was a virgin at 17, and contracted HPV. (Her mother put her through a rough time, telling the OB/Gyn to check her hymen for “intactness.”)

Your OB/Gyn should have some pamphlets explaining that virgins who have not had sexual contact (yes, even without “petting”) can and do contract HPV. I had them and wish I had them to scan in.

It reminds me of an SVU episode where one of the detectives automatically assumed a victim had been sexually active for years because of this post-mortem diagnoses, and I almost screamed at the TV that it’s not always the case.

I wish that the vaccine was tested and proven “good” long before then, and I’m too old now.