Reactions to HPV Vaccine

[eaglesprings]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080103/ap_on_he_me/painful_shot

[Wilson]

Condoms don't sting *and* they help prevent STDs and unwanted pregnancies.

[eaglesprings]

And, boys (and men) don't want to use them. GRRRRRRRRRRR!

It's the fainting that bothers me. But, again, I've never had that sort of problem, except for once, when I had a super bad sunburn. I was worried when Gov. Perry tried to make this vaccine mandatory, and thankfully, failed. Now, it seems we are seeing some bad reactions in younger girls, although nothing life threatening, thank goodness!

[MomTimesFive]

My daughter's doctor tried to push one on her a year ago when she was 18 years old. They also tried to force her to have a chlamydia test. I told the doctor that the likelihood of her having a sexually transmitted disease was as great as the likelihood of her having prostate cancer and asked if they wanted to check her prostate on her next visit. I also mentioned that I was going to ask my daughter's insurance carrier if they approved of having to pay for unnecessary tests and procedures.

I should mention that my daughter is "slow" for her age. I know where she is every minute of the day, and she knows that she can talk to me about anything, so if she were sexually active, I would know.

[eaglesprings]

I do have a problem with doctors assuming things about their patients. This happened to me once. In my mid 30s and unmarried, a doctor assumed I was not ever going to have kids, and recommending hysterectomy for a condition that was causing me no problems whatsoever. I was no where near ready to give up on having children! I'm still tempted to send him a Christmas card every year with our family photo. Some doctors just want to do things for the money -- never mind if it's needed or not.

In the case of an 18 year old, she knows for a fact what her personal life is like. I think it is just wrong for doctors to make assumptions about an individual based on statistics. They should really take her, and your, word for it and not push things that are unneeded and/or unwanted.

[schnauzermom]

I don't think it's fair to get upset with the dr for asking to perform certain tests, also threatening to turn them in to the insurance co could be harmful to the next teen who comes in and does NOT have a great relationship with her parent and may NEED testing. If you trust your child, great, just think of the kids out there who's parents don't have a clue. Jaime Lynn Spears comes to mind.

[MomTimesFive]

If the doctor had simply offered and then accepted OUR decision, that would have been fine. They didn't. They practically insisted and would not believe me or her when she said she wasn't sexually active. That's when we found a new doctor. And I KNOW that doctors perform unnecessary tests and procedures just because it makes them money, so reporting that to an insurance company seems to me like the right thing to do.

[MomTimesFive]

In my mid 30s and unmarried, a doctor assumed I was not ever going to have kids....

My husband and I got married in our mid 30s. He had never been married and had no children. I had two kids already, but we ended up having three more within four years!

Before my first marriage 22 years ago, a doctor told me that it was going to be very difficult for me to get pregnant and that it would probably take a year or two. He gave me instructions on using a fertility chart, which I never used because I ended up getting pregnant on our honeymoon!

I don't mind a doctor offering their "expert" advice or opinion, but I do have a problem with them thinking that they are always right.

[schnauzermom]

You must have had some really bad experiences with doctors to have such a low opinion of them.

I've had a few bad experiences but for the most part think they are just doing their job which can be difficult when we as patients don't always tell the truth and continue doing things that we know are bad for us, like eating and drinking too much, not getting any exercise, smoking, etc.

I also think most insurance companies would rather pay for a $20 test now then pay thousands later when serious problems come up due to std's that aren't caught early. I'm not talking about your family, you should be grateful you can trust your children but not everyone can. That's all I'm saying.

[MomTimesFive]

You must have had some really bad experiences with doctors to have such a low opinion of them.

:confused: I was just saying that my daughter's doctor tried to bully her into having a test that was unnecessary just because the doctor wanted to do it. I don't believe I've had any more bad experiences with doctors than you have.

Sure, the insurance companies would rather pay for a test that could save them money in the long run IF the test is needed.

[baby duck]

Condoms don't sting *and* they help prevent STDs and unwanted pregnancies.

For the most part I agree with you and don't want this shot to become mandatory, but I do know someone whose husband gave her HPV, because he was cheating. Turned into cervical cancer, and she may not be able to have anymore children. Not that she's married to him anymore, but she still young enough that she could try again with someone else.

[eaglesprings]

That's a heartbreaking story, Baby Duck. But, I can't see forcing something on the populace because of those stories. The man ought to be castrated, maybe, but why force someone to do something they don't want based on stories like this? I know you said you don't agree with that, but many will use such stories to make medical procedures and vaccines mandatory.

Condoms, of course, are a safety precaution, but not fullproof. Then again, if I recall, neither is this vaccine. It protects against many forms of HPV, but not all.

[Wilson]

That is sad, but I think that the promotional effort behind this vaccine would be better suited educating people, especially young people, of the reasons why you should wear a condom. There's a lot of potentially deadly STDs out there to fear, not just HPV.

[eaglesprings]

That is sad, but I think that the promotional effort behind this vaccine would be better suited educating people, especially young people, of the reasons why you should wear a condom. There's a lot of potentially deadly STDs out there to fear, not just HPV.


It is sad, Wilson. But, while we are educating, let's also educate that a condom is not foolproof. Mom told me that my grandmother used to joke that my uncle was "strained!" LOL!

I do think education is key! I don't like doctors trying to force things on patients, and I think we all should be informed patients. Several doctors have told me this! Take charge of your own health, and that of your kids. If a doctor tries to force something on me, I'm out the door, plain and simple. Anyone else who does the same has my moral support, for the little (well, nothing) that it's worth. LOL!

I'm just keeping in mind that our Governor tried to force this vaccine on girls as young as 9. Thankfully, that didn't come to pass. A year later, we're starting to hear some of the negatives.

[TXrose]

I got HPV because of a cheating ex. It showed up though after I had remarried and had kids and my tubes were tied. My doc did a LEEP where they cut off the affected portion of the cervix and then cartherize it. I had to go through pap smears every 2-3 months for 2 years before I was considered cured. I did not get cervical cancer because I went for my yearly check up and it was caught as dysplasia. Cervical cancer is the ONLY cancer that comes in a Pre cancerous form and if you go to your doc when you should, you won't have a serious problem. It's when you don't go for the exams things can become a problem.

Although I will never have anymore children (too old etc and tubes were tied). I haven't had a hysterectomy because I don't need it. I still go for my exams every year. For the most part women who get cervical cancer are those who do not go to regular yearly check ups.

Every year I get my mammogram and my yearly check up. For 8 years I haven't had a problem with the dysplasia (pre cancer) showing back up.

So the bottom line is, get your yearly check ups. Now they can check for the HPV virus, they couldn't do that a few years back.

[eaglesprings]

I got HPV because of a cheating ex. It showed up though after I had remarried and had kids and my tubes were tied. My doc did a LEEP where they cut off the affected portion of the cervix and then cartherize it. I had to go through pap smears every 2-3 months for 2 years before I was considered cured. I did not get cervical cancer because I went for my yearly check up and it was caught as dysplasia. Cervical cancer is the ONLY cancer that comes in a Pre cancerous form and if you go to your doc when you should, you won't have a serious problem. It's when you don't go for the exams things can become a problem.

Although I will never have anymore children (too old etc and tubes were tied). I haven't had a hysterectomy because I don't need it. I still go for my exams every year. For the most part women who get cervical cancer are those who do not go to regular yearly check ups.

Every year I get my mammogram and my yearly check up. For 8 years I haven't had a problem with the dysplasia (pre cancer) showing back up.

So the bottom line is, get your yearly check ups. Now they can check for the HPV virus, they couldn't do that a few years back.



Amen, Tx Rose. Absolutely!

There is a test to determine if a woman has the HPV virus and I asked about that at my new doctor's office. She told me I was in a low risk category, but even if the test found HPV, there isn't anything they can do but keep an eye on it to see if cancer develops. The vaccine won't work if a woman already has HPV. I appreciated her so much for not pushing something that wasn't needed, even when I asked about it, that I'm going to stick with her. She also isn't recommending surgery for fibroids that aren't causing problems.

I guess the point I'm trying to make is she listened to my story of my lifestyle, past and present, and didn't assume anything, and based her decision on that. It's nice to have a doctor you can question without said doctor having any pre-conceived notions. This should be true with an 18 year old, as well. If 18 year old says, "I'm not sexually active," then doctors should not presume otherwise. People know their own lifestyles.

I'll repeat your recommendation: Keep up with those annual PAPs!

[TXrose]

but keep an eye on it to see if cancer develops

The stages it goes through are an abnormal pap smear or dysplasia. If they find dysplasia, it is considered pre-cancer by doctors, it has not yet become cancer.

Here is a site that explains it a bit more. http://www.gynalternatives.com/cervical.htm

I had what they refer to as severe dysplasia, so they actually went in a removed the area affected. Had it come back (and it still could) the doctor would have done a modified hysterectomy (he would have left the ovaries in place)

The reason I mention the test is that if you are already sexually active or just want to know it's good to have it run so the doctor knows what to keep an eye out for.

Even though I have HPV and have had pre cancer and always have the chance of it coming back on me, I am not sure about the vaccine. My daughter hasn't had it yet, partially because of the expense and partially because I know that cervical cancer can be avoided just by routine exams.

The vaccine is so new, I do worry about side effects.

[msucowboy97]

Since we are going to talk about HPV....One HPV is getting really bad with young kids. Now I am at the 35 age range. I am having way to many female friends now with Cervical cancer. Now I have a problem with Gov. Perry pushing the product specially since he owns alot of stock in that company. But this doenst mean I am not against the shot. I support it if it prevents it. But what we need to remember its us guys who carry HPV and pass it on to female to female.

One Condoms work if used right it helps against STDs as well But not against all STDs.

For the one with the 18 year old daughter. Your daughter mgiht or might not be sexually active one they wont say in front on mom/dad. As a former teacher/coach I learned how sexually active. I taught a STD class in Louisiana OUCH. But I want you to remember this when the doctor suggested this your daughter might be a member of club V and never had intercourse but doesnt mean oral sex hasnt came into play. Teens dont look at oral sex as being sex. Also just another note daughter is 18 and coming into those years. She is going to date and get married and most likely have SEX. He is protecting your daughter from that boy. who might have been with another partner who had it.


Here are two of my friends who have HPV

One is a 37 she had been with two guys then got married at 22. Husband pasted it down to her, He didnt cheat on her he got it from an ex. He just didnt know what it was at the time and didnt think about it because he was a college kid. He thought hey it doesnt effect me only hurts females. She found out at 29 she had cervical cancer.

Another friend is a girl on my softball team. She had only been with one person her husband high school sweethearts. Until she got raped leaving walmart one night. Guy who raped her passed it down to her.

I asked my wife to get tested just last month during her yearly visit. I know that I was little active before she came around. I never cheated on her but I have a past.

[eaglesprings]

All very good points, MSU, but there is a huge difference between a recommendation and "pushing" and not listening to a patient.

And, many, many people "have a past." If a person has a good doctor, those risks can be analyzed accordingly. Recommendations should be made in accordance with patient wishes and considering the patient could possibly have some degree of intelligence, not because it's the latest thing to sell.

[Wilson]

Yes, and as TXRose pointed out, cervical cancer can be prevented with yearly Paps.

I think there are better ways to prevent HPV & cervical cancer.

[TXrose]

I am having way to many female friends now with Cervical cancer.

Then they aren't going for there exams. My doc told me the only women who actually get Cervical cancer are those who do not get their yearly exams, that's the bottom line. Even though I've been with the same person for years and I'm not going to have kids anymore I still go for my yearly check up. Even more so because I know what can happen. I hear of so many women my age say, I'm not going to have anymore kids so why bother. Why because it can save your life!!! 8 years and I have had no reaccurance of the dysplasia that WILL turn into cancer if left untreated.

The reason all these young women are coming up with cervical cancer is usually because they don't go get their exams. It's worth the time money and effort, it could save your life.

I think back, and I was not going to have anymore children at the time I had the pre cancer, had I waited 6-12 I would have probably had cancer, then it would have been a whole different treatment.

And I know I'm repeating myself, but it's just as important as that yearly mammogram. There's no history of breast cancer in my family but I still go every year. One year they found a very very small lump, did a biopsy and thank God it was bengin, but what if it wasn't and I had waited.....

[msucowboy97]

Question Eagle was this your daughters normal every day Doctor or her female doctor?

[Wilson]

It wasn't Eagle. And I think that the mom of the 18yo daughter adequately explained that there are special circumstances regarding their situation and I don't think her decisions regarding their daughter should be second-guessed.

[msucowboy97]

Yes, and as TXRose pointed out, cervical cancer can be prevented with yearly Paps.

I think there are better ways to prevent HPV & cervical cancer.


Cervical cancer can be prevented with the help but its not a cure for HPV. HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer.

[msucowboy97]

Then they aren't going for there exams. My doc told me the only women who actually get Cervical cancer are those who do not get their yearly exams, that's the bottom line. Even though I've been with the same person for years and I'm not going to have kids anymore I still go for my yearly check up. Even more so because I know what can happen. I hear of so many women my age say, I'm not going to have anymore kids so why bother. Why because it can save your life!!! 8 years and I have had no reaccurance of the dysplasia that WILL turn into cancer if left untreated.

The reason all these young women are coming up with cervical cancer is usually because they don't go get their exams. It's worth the time money and effort, it could save your life.

I think back, and I was not going to have anymore children at the time I had the pre cancer, had I waited 6-12 I would have probably had cancer, then it would have been a whole different treatment.

And I know I'm repeating myself, but it's just as important as that yearly mammogram. There's no history of breast cancer in my family but I still go every year. One year they found a very very small lump, did a biopsy and thank God it was bengin, but what if it wasn't and I had waited.....

TxRose first I want to say you answered that question right. NOT a single one of them had annual exams much less one every 3 years.

Now I want to point out that we are mainly talking about teens and young adults. Which believe it or not they don't go for exams unless the mom's push them. I had to push my wife go because I started to learn how many of my friends that have HPV. I am not going to lie I am scared that I am a carrier. But I have been pushing my wife to have breast exams and forced her to go to get her pap. She went just 3 weeks ago for the first time in 4 years. I talked my boss into going this will be her first ever visit since she was 19 and she is in her 30s.

[msucowboy97]

It wasn't Eagle. And I think that the mom of the 18yo daughter adequately explained that there are special circumstances regarding their situation and I don't think her decisions regarding their daughter should be second-guessed.

I am not second guessing if this mom or if this 18 year old is sexually active. The doctor can tell that part. Remember its just like Herpies, HIV, or any other STD it only takes one time. It might even be her first time with her husband. Alot of doctors are pushing this HPV vac. My Uncle told me that they should have a new shot that comes out in Nov. It wont be 3 shots but I think he said just one.


I just want yall to remember that I am the youngest Male on this board(excluding JOliver). I know what my life style was like before I met my wife. I will bet my house on this that not a single person on this board would want me to date their daughter if yall knew how bad I was.

[Wilson]

The vaccine is not a cure, either...

[Wilson]

Ewwww... TMI TMI TMI

It doesn't help that you look an awful lot like my little brother... :p.

[msucowboy97]

The vaccine is not a cure, either...

The shot isnt a cure but it prevents it before it happens. Remember we are out to stop HPV. For the ones who have it and/or carry it. Then its like what TxRose said you need those annual exams more than ever now.

[msucowboy97]

Wilson I have learned over the past. I will have no problem telling someone my past if it saves a life. I have done some dumb things over the past 30 years. Including one forcing my family to come home from a vacation overseas.

I never have done drugs in my life. But after doing the work i do now and seeing the things I see. I cured from drugs for the rest of my life. I see kids every day who were crack babies, I see adults who abused drugs way to much. Now my job is normally just behavior but you go into those adult day habs, you just dont have young adults with down or autism.

[TXrose]

The way I knew I had HPV before it was a big deal is my ex gave me genital warts. He had them but I didn't know it till I got them, he knew he had them. But that was back in the day when none of this was known to be linked to cervical cancer.

My DD knows the seriousness of not getting exams because she's old enough to know what I went through with the breast biopsy, but she was young when I went through the pre cancer routines, but this is something I have talked to her about it and hopefully this knowlege will send her to the doctor on a regular basis.

[Candleman]

It is easy for a Dr. to know if a person is sexually active without asking.

[Candleman]

A gal I know has a daughter that is "slow".
Several years ago when the contraceptive implants arrived on the market, she had her daughter receive one. She didn't have her get the implant because of any trust issues. She did it as a preventative, to protect her from those that may want to take advantage, of a "slow" kid. I would bet that had the HPV vac. been available, she may have done that as well....for the exact same reasons.

A cop doesn't wear a kevlar vest because he is looking for a gunfight. He wears it to protect himself, from those that want to take advatage of what he stands for.

[schnauzermom]

I think that it's great this vaccine is available to those who choose to get it. It is a choice after all. No one is forced to do any medical procedure that I'm aware of. I wish all young women could afford to get yearly exams but that is not always the case. My original point was not about the poster's specific family she sounds like she has a great relationship with her child. It was more to point out that many young women do not have good relationships and won't admit if they are sexually active. If you don't like your Dr get a new one. There are lots of good ones out there.

[schnauzermom]

Tx rose, just curious and you don't have to answer if you don't want to but is your dd old enough to choose to get the vaccine on her own? I know you said you have concerns but am wondering if she thinks it would be something she would want to do. Obviously if she is very young this wouldn't be the case but maybe she is 18, I don't know. Like I said, just curious.

[TXrose]

No she's 15. But this is something we have discussed at length. She doesn't like shots anyway... I want her to be informed of her options though. Right now because of the cost and the fact that my insurance won't pay for it and what I have read about it, I'm just not ready to shove her into that. She's a smart girl and even at 15 she can make good informed decisions. At this point I'm ready to let it ride and probably let her decide in the next few years. I have explained to her that if she's going to get it, it needs to be before she becomes sexually active. Right now we have a good open relationship and I hope that it stays that way.

[Carpe Diem]

Condoms, condoms, condoms......I know they aren't foolproof, but I had a best friend die of AIDS and it was absolutely horrible to watch. :(

[schnauzermom]

TX rose, thanks for your honest answer. We are considering the vaccine for our young teen dd. I have no clue if our insurance covers it or not.

[TXrose]

It's about $100/per shot and you have to get a series of 3.

[Realtorchick]

I'm with Wilson, buy them comdoms.

[mdonn76405]

The chronicle reported that it causes Oral cancer in men.

[Wilson]

Then let *them* get the shots.

[TXrose]

Then let *them* get the shots.


Yeah really, because it was my ex who gave me the HPV viral warts that caused me to have all the problems I did.

[msucowboy97]

The chronicle reported that it causes Oral cancer in men.

yeah I saw that the other day on Yahoo news. I just quit dipping because it was rumored to have caused Oral Cancer in men

[Wilson]

My great grandfather was a "dipper" and I got to watch him die a horrible, painful death from mouth & throat cancer.

[mdonn76405]

I guess dipping isn't the only thing your going to have to quit.

[msmichellemiller]

smoking cigarettes can also cause oral and esophageal cancer just the same as dipping. My SO just went to an accupuncture session yesterday for joint pain and smoking cessation. If it works I know he's going to make me do it and I don't want to quit!!!! I *know* I should, but I'm just being honest and saying I don't *want* to. At least not yet....

[mdonn76405]

:rofl:OK guys, I didn't want to go below the belt, but that is what i was insinuating.

[Wilson]

Ewww. My eyes! My eyes!