posted
Lately I've been debating in my mind whether to go to a doctor about getting the Gardasil vaccine. I've seen tons of resources recommending it to be protected from certain strains of HPV, but on the flipside, both my mother, sister, and a previous family doctor say that it's not necessary. My mother especially says that there isn't enough research backing it up, and as long as I'm not having sex with a lot of different partners it won't ever be an issue for me (I've never been sexually active, but I see that her reasoning is flawed - I only need to have sex with one person to potentially contract something). Now, I'm 18, so I can make the decision for myself, but I'm also still under my parents' insurance plan. If I ultimately decide to get the vaccine, I don't predict there being any problem with that, but right now I'm kind of on the fence about it. What do you guys think of it? And where could I get some good unbiased information about the vaccine?
Thank you very much! Posts: 19 | From: Canada | Registered: Sep 2010
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Robin Lee
Volunteer Assistant Director
Member # 90293
posted
Hi Emilbee,
You're absolutely right that engaging in sexual activity with one partner is a potential exposure. Lots of people have HPV, and a lot of them don't know it.
Here's some information on HPV, and on the vaccine, to give you more information.
Copyright 1998, 2013 Heather Corinna/Scarleteen
Scarleteen.com: Providing comprehensive sex education online to teens and young adults worldwide since 1998
Information on this site is provided for educational purposes. It is not meant to and cannot substitute for advice or care provided by an in-person medical professional. The information contained herein is not meant to be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, or for prescribing any medication. You should always consult your own healthcare provider if you have a health problem or medical condition.
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