It all started in a free clinic in Chicago…
I had aged out of my parents’ insurance, and was visiting home in Chicago to update my visa, see friends and do all the “adult” things one does. You know, go to the dentist, get a pap smear, get the oil changed in my car, etc.
I’m forever grateful to places like Planned Parenthood and Aunt Martha’s because they’re absolutely essential in any functioning society.
I am by no means under-privileged, at risk, or disenfranchised. I was a pretty sheltered 20-something visiting home from living in Spain on a Spanish salary and unaware “how to insurance.”
During my pap, they found abnormal cells, snipped my cervix, did a biopsy and fortunately, it wasn’t a cancer-causing strain. I had no other symptoms.
While it’s completely gone, it did however scare me shitless and I avoided the gynecologist for 3 years, but that’s another post.
“But Danni, if you’re pro-vaccine, why didn’t you get the HPV vaccine?”
I was 17 at the University of Chicago medical center visiting the gyno for the first time with my mom glaring at me while the Dr. asked me all sorts of questions that make an introverted, repressed and shy teenager go beet-red.
The Dr. stated that the best time to take this albeit revolutionary, but brand new vaccine was before becoming sexually active.
Cool, cool, coo, coo. So we’re talking about sex. In front of my mom. Coo!
I remember my well-intentioned, but very Christian mother narrowing her eyes at me asking: “Well, do you need it? Huh?” As if to say: are you planning on putting any p’s in your v, ma’am? Tell me now, your mother, in front of this stranger and you better not answer incorrectly!
Of course I said no! What option did I have?
So I didn’t get vaccinated. I didn’t know to speak up. I didn’t ask questions. I didn’t push back.
I allowed my Christian family to influence my thinking.
Here are the facts:
Most people will get HPV in their life. 80%!
There’s no test for men.
Condoms don’t prevent it.
HPV can lead to a variety of cancers, not just unsightly genital warts.
There are vaccines that can prevent it.
In 2006, Gardasil 1 was released. It’s a vaccine which prevents the most dangerous strains of HPV in women and folks with a cervix, vulva or vagina.
HPV is the most common STI (at least in the United States) with over 80% of all sexually active folks getting it at some point in their life, 79 million Americans who have it now, and 14 million new infections each year. (Source).
How does someone get HPV?
Usually it’s from vaginal or anal sex. It can also come from close sexual contact. In fact, HPV can still affect areas that condoms and dental dams do not cover.
Hot take: There should be no shame around HPV. Shame makes people feel less comfortable speaking. And when people don’t speak, no solutions, help or knowledge can be spread. Even the most prudent sexually active person can get HPV.
Why is HPV a cause for concern?
First, there’s no test for men, so the responsibility—surprise, surprise—falls on women and cervix, vulva, vagina having folks.
There are a variety of strains, but the most sinister ones can lead to, on a good day genital warts, and on a bad day, cancers of the throat, mouth, cervix, or anus.
The good news is that most times, the immune system is strong enough to clear up HPV on its own in a couple years, and more often than not, you won’t even know that you have it. Usually, there are no symptoms.
But, an abnormal pap smear is a clue.
I can’t believe I’m writing about pap smears on the internet, but fuck it, it needs to be talked about! Being hush hush about health only leads to misdiagnosis, shame and misinformation.
“Being hush hush about health only leads to misdiagnosis, shame and misinformation.”
Dear millennials, it’s not too late to get the HPV vaccine.
“Ask direct questions. Separate tradition, religion and even fear from science-based evidence. ”
I thought I’d missed the boat. Of course, there are recommendations, but there’s no rule that says women in their 30’s cannot take the vaccine.
I did my research, and brought the question up with my gyno.
”But, you don’t have HPV.” I know.
”But, you’re in your 30’s.” I know.
”But, you don’t have multiple partners.” I know.
”But, there are 3 shots.” I know.
”But, it’s not covered by insurance.” I kno— wait, what? Ok, still.
Run me that prescription.
And that’s what happened. I’m paying out of pocket. It’s about 175€ per dose. Each dose is a few months apart, so keep that in mind.
All that to say, be your own advocate. Ask direct questions. Separate tradition, religion and even fear from science-based evidence.
People don’t get chicken pox anymore because, vaccine. We don’t need to hit rocks together to make fire anymore (is that how fire is made? I dunno…), because technology. Women can hopefully remove one more thing off their list of health worries with this vaccine. And if you need to push back, whether against your mom, your pastor, your partner or even your doctor: do that.
People are biased. People are fallible. People are rushed, distracted, and over-worked. Their well-intentions have real consequences, nevertheless.
That little voice inside your head, God- + nature-given is for self-preservation and is meant to protect you.
Use your brain.
Use the internet.
Use your voice.
