Question about the HPV vaccine

[pyraterose.livejournal.com]

This is just to quell my curiousity, but when I was at the doctor this week for a sinus infection (yuck) we got on the topic that I had started the two shot series for Hep (A or B? Not sure) because I had been planning on visiting South Africa last Spring. The trip didn't happen, so needless to say I hadn't finished getting them, but the nurse also mentioned that I could get the HPV vaccine if I wanted to as well. I'm getting married in June to the only man I've ever been with in any physical way ever, and they wanted to have me tested for everything when they did my gyno exam last year to get on bc. I assume that if I were to get HPV I'd have contracted it already and that the vaccine isn't going to do much of anything at this point, right? Would it be pointless for me to get the vaccine if I'm not planning on ever being with anyone else anyway? 

Anyway, I was just curious about this and what you all thought...

Comments

[nickelshoe.livejournal.com]

It would probably be pointless if you guys have been having genital-to-genital sex for some time and neither of you ever has another partner. I do always try to mention, though, that even if you guys never split up, sometimes things happen that you have no control over, such as death or sexual assault. So it would still provide you with some protection if the unthinkable happened some time in the future.

[silentbanshee.livejournal.com]

I never got vaccinated but it has nothing to do with who I'm with.

Because bad things happen, assault, cheating happens as does divorce and so does death. These are all realities we do not like to consider while in love.

So get it or not. You dont have to explain it. It doesn't say anything about your relationship if you do get it. And it's up to to easily turn down medicine that may pose its own risk.

[dial-zero.livejournal.com]

I agree with this, and also want to throw out there that as of now, many insurance companies won't cover it if you're over 26. So if you're under 26 and have good coverage for it, you might want to consider it.

[buttcrackderby.livejournal.com]

I agree with this comment.

[atalanta0jess.livejournal.com]

I'm in the same position as you, and opted not to get the vaccine. As others have said, shit happens...but HPV isn't scary enough to me to get the vaccine just in case I get raped or my partner dies or something. I can always get it later if need be, although it is likely I'd have to pay out of pocket. I see myself probably being in a position where I'm able to do that, so its not a humongous concern. But basically like I said, I'm just not THAT worried about HPV.

[naked-beauty-21.livejournal.com]

I'm in a similar situation as you, and I'm not getting it. If it would give you any kind of peace of mind to get it, then get it, but please, don't let any friends or doctors or family talk you into getting it or not getting it. Let it be your decision. I've had multiple people try to talk me into it saying it could save my life, but it's not a very old vaccination so we don't know what the long term effects might be.

[atalanta0jess.livejournal.com]

Not to mention that the vaccine isn't really likely to save your life. It might save some pain and trouble (e.g. from having procedures to remove abnormal cells) but for a person with access to medical care (paps and appropriate follow up) the vaccine is less life-saving and more hassle-saving. :)