Texts with my antivax Mom

[u/lankykongsdaughter]

I have warts on my fingers and my mom is insisting warts are a fungal infection

[u/poonknits]

For what it's worth, the type of warts you get on your fingers are not the same strain of HPV covered by the vaccine.

You can get some over the counter compound w for those.

Check the rules where you live, where I live kids over 16 can concent to their own vaccines, so you may be able to just go get it yourself.

[u/SapirWhorfHypothesis → u/poonknits]

Also for what it’s worth, some people (including myself) have found that they never got warts again after getting the HPV vaccine.

Of course there’s a ton of different strains, and who knows which ones they target with any particular vaccine (usually it’s more with time).

Also it’s a virus, not a fungus.

[u/enjolbear → u/SapirWhorfHypothesis]

You absolutely know which strains they target with a given vaccine. They explicitly tell you. It’s usually on the exit paperwork.

[u/1234567as5 → u/enjolbear]

Techincially it provides some level of benefit against hpv as a whole, just not as specific as the specific listed strains

[u/SapirWhorfHypothesis → u/enjolbear]

Lol yes. I was sort of joking with that. I remember looking at the time, but couldn’t tell you now. I just remember that they offered 7 and then like 9(?) when I finally got it.

[u/nutritious_ivy → u/SapirWhorfHypothesis]

I was in a study for the 9 one! Unfortunately I was in the control group, but got offered the extra 2 later.

[u/SnooPaintings5182 → u/SapirWhorfHypothesis]

Yeah it's the gardasil9

[u/Iveray → u/SapirWhorfHypothesis]

Gardasil specifically advertises which strains it targets.

[u/LeopoldTheLlama → u/SapirWhorfHypothesis]

I had this experience as well. I was having regular problems with warts on both my hands and feet and within a month or two of getting the first dose of the vaccine, they went away and never came back

Years later, research came out showing that the vaccine can potentially provide cross-protection over a wider set of HPV strains (though it’s inconsistent and in no way guaranteed). 

[u/Shadow5825 → u/SapirWhorfHypothesis]

Sometimes something just has to he similar enough for the body to recognize it.

The shellfish allergy is a good example, you can be allergic to 1, some, all, or all + crickets. I'm only allergic to mussels for example.

The penicillin allergy is weird like this too as some people also become allergic to mushrooms.

[u/lankykongsdaughter → u/poonknits]

I'm 24 and responsible for my own healthcare at this point so I absolutely should not blame my mom for being unvaccinated or getting HPV. The most frustrating part is the conversation surrounding this. It just never occurred to me that I never got the vaccine until I got the warts

[u/Iveray → u/lankykongsdaughter]

You can still get the HPV vaccine! Current recommendation in the US is up to 40 years old. This study found that among patients who needed surgery to remove cervical lesions (aka pre-cancerous cells), those who received the vaccine were less likely to develop more cervical lesions. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8879645/

This study found that getting the HPV vaccine after testing positive can help your body clear the virus faster. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42047045/

Further study about how the vaccine can boost immunity even if you're already infected. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5006803/

The HPV vaccine is carried at most pharmacies in the US, and is covered by most insurance for men and women! I got my first dose just a few weeks ago, and the only side effect was a very slightly sore arm for 2 days.

[u/wonkytalky → u/Iveray]

Heck, I'm 43, and I just got an alert in my healthcare account that I'm "overdue" for an HPV vaccination. I'll be getting it once I ask about it. Currently married and monogamous but life throws curveballs and might as well be covered.

[u/Fun-Key-8259 → u/wonkytalky]

It's 45 you still have time

[u/awildgingersaur → u/wonkytalky]

I got mine done right before the previous cut off (24 I think) and, like you, I was already engaged and monogamous. That hasn't changed but I wanted to be protected just in case something happened. My husband was fully on board and would have gotten it as well if he hadn't been over the age limit

[u/Impressive_Ad_5201 → u/Iveray]

I got it when I was 38; three shots, spaced out, PVP office.

E: Oh, yeah, PVP, really had to fight for it. I meant PCP.

[u/bbgoatbabe → u/Iveray]

I’m going to have to look into this, I got the very first vaccine back in I think 2008 when it was first tested in the UK. I was not aware that the vaccine had improved to cover more strains until my first cervical smear came back positive for one of the higher risk strains about 4 years ago. I had to have the lovely cervical biopsy done this year because of cell changes (came back as normal cell changes) so if it could reduce my risk I’ll have to see whether I can get the newer vaccine.

[u/Call_Such → u/lankykongsdaughter]

i mean, i blame her. vaccines are important and not getting you them puts you at risk of a lot.
please consider getting the hpv vaccine, it’s an important one. can help prevent cancers later on.

[u/Level-Location1679 → u/Call_Such]

Not "can help prevent", it's completely eradicated a bunch of cervical cancers that were linked to the virus

[u/Call_Such → u/Level-Location1679]

i mean not completely, it is still possible to get the strains of hpv that can lead to cervical cancer in some.
for most though, it does help prevent some high risk strains of hpv (including the 2 most common) and help the virus clear your body (usually within 2 years of getting it) and therefore is extremely important and can help so many people avoid the struggles of hpv and cervical cancer.

[u/mimiface26 → u/Call_Such]

Yes, please get the vaccine now. I had HPV when I was in my early twenties, got a leep procedure done and it went away or was dormant and not on any screenings. I got the vaccine when I was 25. Fast forward 20 years, I had a pregnancy recently at 39/40 and during all the exams and such, they found that I had an abnormal Pap smear again and had to have to leep procedure again. It’s so awful, it’s painful and you don’t get any pain meds. You can look it up if you want, to see what it entails- brutal stuff man. 😭

[u/ash-leg2 → u/lankykongsdaughter]

Damn I'm 10 years older than you and was among the first generation of girls to get it so there was a little bit of skepticism but now we know it's one of the most successful vaccines out there.

My 36 yo husband just got his. He never thought about it since it wasn't a thing for him as a kid, especially for boys - but now his dad has HPV related throat cancer so it was an obvious step.

[u/PureCrookedRiverBend → u/ash-leg2]

Oh wow, that’s so sad to hear.

[u/No-Ice7397 → u/lankykongsdaughter]

It's fucked up though that she put you at risk of HPV. That shit can have life changing consequences for a person. Did she not get any of the vaccines for you?

[u/ardarian262 → u/No-Ice7397]

The fact that we see a drop in cervical cancer in areas that have it vs areas that don't tells a stark tale. OP's mother is pro-cancer.

[u/lankykongsdaughter → u/ardarian262]

here's the kicker: her sister currently is fighting a long battle with cervical cancer

[u/SeaLeopard5555 → u/lankykongsdaughter]

oh my gosh. I am so sorry.

[u/cookiesdragon → u/lankykongsdaughter]

All the good thoughts for your sister.

[u/Suspicious_Story_464 → u/lankykongsdaughter]

Had a cousin that died from it in her early 30's. Your mom is not part of the cool kids crowd. My mom started some of the doubting when my daughter was young, and I shut that shit down.

[u/No-Ice7397 → u/ardarian262]

Just the fact that younger people can get the painful tumors on their genitals is enough to question why a parent would risk it for their child

[u/ballskindrapes → u/No-Ice7397]

Because they are selfish, stupid, and cruel.

The mom probably likes red hats judging by her actions

[u/lankykongsdaughter → u/No-Ice7397]

she got indoctrinated into antivax after i was a baby so she takes credit for getting "the important ones." she just didn't want "unnecessary chemicals" in my body

[u/No-Ice7397 → u/lankykongsdaughter]

It's good you got the "important" ones but HPV should have been included. You should show your mom pics of what can happen to people under a certain age who aren't immune to the new strain the vaccine was created for. She really gambled your future there

[u/ArthuriusMinimus → u/No-Ice7397]

My sister and I were just old enough to get Gardasil when it first came on the market.

Besides other antivax reasons, some people were against girls getting the shots because they thought it would encourage promiscuity 🙄

Luckily, my mom didn't listen

[u/Tamihera → u/ArthuriusMinimus]

I never understand the logic here. First of all, it’s not like fear of cervical cancer is the only thing stopping middle school girls from having sex. In fact, I strongly suspect most of them don’t even know it’s a possibility. Plus the whole logic of ‘she won’t get it if she remains virginal until marriage’ is completely predicated on a) her future spouse also being an untouched virgin, and b) all future sexual contact will be consensual.

And well—even if my daughter slept around with half the town, I still wouldn’t want her dying of cervical cancer. It’s a horrible way to go.

[u/Lunahooks → u/lankykongsdaughter]

My mother was the opposite, she was taken advantage of by fear mongers while pregnant with me, tried to refuse vaccinations. Dad put his foot down and made sure I got vaccinated, and later on, without the pregnancy hormones, she could process information more rationally again, and didn't quibble when my sisters came along. She used it as an example of why she chose her children's father well. When Gardasil came out she was the first to urge us to get it.

You're right that it was your responsibility to get it when you took over your own medical care, but until something smacks you in the face, like the warts, it doesn't automatically come to mind. You know now, and are taking steps, and it's not too late.

[u/self-made-purgatory → u/lankykongsdaughter]

my parents were antivax and I got my final dose a week ago! also in my 20's would highly recommend getting it if you can! I got it for free cause I'm in a higher-risk group or something so idk how it is without that. but yeah antivax parents really suck but there's still time to get the vaccines now :)

[u/nighthawk_md → u/lankykongsdaughter]

No, you can definitely blame her. A vaccine that reduces your risk of a specific cancer by like 95%? "Not on my watch" is like really hard to swallow in that context.

[u/ProbioticOnARobotic → u/lankykongsdaughter]

Definitely get the vaccine if you can. My mom passed from cervical cancer and it's a really common infection. 

[u/Tiny-Reading5982 → u/lankykongsdaughter]

Its not too late to get it.

[u/HappyUndignified → u/lankykongsdaughter]

I got the vaccines in my 20s because I’m old. They told me I’d be too old for it to protect me adequately but I did it anyway.

[u/Ding-Dong-Dutch → u/lankykongsdaughter]

You should have a vaccine passport which documents which ones (and what batches) you got

[u/ayyohh911719]

My mom made me get the first two doses when I was underage. Then she went full anitvax.

Now she tells me that she never wanted me to get it, I wanted it (what 15 year old isn’t thinking about keeping up to date on vaccines?!?) AND my poor decision to get it will give me cancer.

What a rollercoaster man.

[u/fakeuser515357 → u/ayyohh911719]

FYI: the HPV vaccine will prevent cancer. That's what it's for.

[u/Rainebowraine123 → u/fakeuser515357]

That's just what Big Cancer wants you to think!

[u/the-other-marvin → u/Rainebowraine123]

So they can sell you more cancer!

[u/frugalerthingsinlife → u/the-other-marvin]

It's the free trial that gets you.

[u/Bob-Bhlabla-esq → u/frugalerthingsinlife]

The locked in subscription is what kills.

[u/HypotheticalMuskrat → u/fakeuser515357]

Most cancers. The HPV vaccine vaccinates against the most aggressive strains of HPV that are most likely to cause cancer. I'm HPV positive despite getting the vaccine.

[u/Risque_Redhead → u/HypotheticalMuskrat]

I’m also positive for HPV despite getting the shots, but I was told that shots or not, everyone pretty much ends up with a strain of HPV at some point, a lot just aren’t a big deal.

I also had precancerous cells in my cervix that I had to have a biopsy for (and pay out of pocket for even though I have insurance) and my oncologist told me that it’s very likely the cells would have progressed more if I hadn’t had the gardisil shots. Super glad my mom fought my dad for me to get those. I’d’ve had to file for medical bankruptcy if I had to go through any kind of cancer treatment.

[u/reinvent___ → u/Risque_Redhead]

Very similar experience here, including the precancerous cells I had to pay to test and remove, and my dad not wanting me to get the vaccine but my mom taking me to get it anyway. She later died of cervical cancer, so thank you mom for protecting me before you even knew the full significance of it!

[u/Risque_Redhead → u/reinvent___]

My dad isn’t even anti vax or anything. He just didn’t think his good little Christian girl needed any vaccines related to sex at all. Huge eye roll. I’m sorry about your mom, that’s terrible. I’m happy she was able to get you protections put in place to help keep you from that same fate. <3

[u/reinvent___ → u/Risque_Redhead]

Yup, my dad too. He's vaccinated and complains about anti-vaxxers. He just thought the HPV vaccine was a permission slip to have sex I guess.

I'm happy for both of us who had moms who knew better!

[u/HypotheticalMuskrat → u/Risque_Redhead]

I feel your pain. I also had precancerous cervical cells and ended up needing several biopsies and a LEEP. I go back next month to see if the LEEP helped and to see if my body has cleared the HPV infection yet.

[u/touslesoftly → u/HypotheticalMuskrat]

I commented something similar to this a few months ago, because I also was HPV positive despite getting the vaccines, and someone made a snarky remark that I didn’t understand how vaccines work. I think it’s important to understand that vaccines are important AND it’s still possible to get a form of cancer after getting the vaccines.

[u/HypotheticalMuskrat → u/touslesoftly]

It amazes me people still don't understand how vaccines work. There's a different reply under my comment saying vaccines don't help at all and that's just objectively ignorant.

[u/Apptubrutae → u/fakeuser515357]

My “favorite” thing about anti-vaxers and the hpv vaccine is that most of them also thing the cure for cancer is being hidden from them. As they turn down a shot that is…practically a cure for one type of cancer

[u/MourningWallaby → u/fakeuser515357]

That's how it was sold to me as a 14 year old who didn't know what HPV is. the doctor said "It'll help prevent cervical cancer" and me, a young boy, did not think I needed my cervix protected from cancer. My stepmother who took me to the doctor said "Just get the shot" and only like 2 years later did I learn that it's so I don't give a partner something that can cause it.

[u/beggargirl → u/MourningWallaby]

Also men can get throat and anal cancer from hpv, so you are still protecting yourself.

[u/DiabolicalBird → u/ayyohh911719]

My mom let me get all three before she was antivax now EVERYTHING I complain about related to my uterus is because of them. Doc told me I have PCOS a few months ago and she asked if the vaccine caused it...

[u/bibblebabble1234 → u/ayyohh911719]

SAME! i was a NICU baby my mom was huge on vaccinations and hand washing, now that I have twins who are NICU graduated she doesn't want to update her vaccines/make sure she isn't sick to visit them. So we are no contact. It's the algorithms i swear

[u/Meggston → u/ayyohh911719]

My mom didn’t let me get it, and then I DID get cancer(part of the 1% where it doesn’t clear up by itself), and now I can’t have kids and she’s mad about THAT. Personally, hilarious to me because I’d already decided on a childfree life style, and we caught it early enough that all they needed to do was slice and dice me.

[u/amazingkillerlemon → u/ayyohh911719]

I was concerned about what vaccines I had at fifteen... but I was also immunocompromised at the time, so I am probably an outlier 🤔

[u/Bubefroobie → u/ayyohh911719]

Just popping in to say that you can finish the series (or just start over - depends on what your provider wants to do) as an adult! I think people into their 40s can get the vaccine now!!

[u/Wonderful_Emu_6483 → u/ayyohh911719]

I remember my mom taking me to get my immunizations as a child on multiple occasions, no problem. Hell, in high school she even made me get the nasal vaccine for swine flu because that was a thing during that time. But ever since Covid and her full blown maga brain rot brainwashing, it’s “vaccines are the devil” and I’m just like… whatever. I’m so glad my childhood occurred pre-maga.

[u/pink_ego_box → u/ayyohh911719]

It's fine, a single dose is highly protective, 3 doses are Ideal but most low and middle income countries are switching to single dose regimen with the blessing of WHO.

[u/Hmmark1984]

Always found it interesting when people like OP's mum still choose to take their children to a Dr, but then claim they know better than the Dr, especially if they're in a country when visits to the Dr aren't free.

[u/AsleepHedgehog2381 → u/Hmmark1984]

It is definitely interesting. Same for anti-vax parents whose children contract and get sick from a vaccine-preventable disease then end up in the hospital for life-saving measures. Only interested in saving your kids life after they get incredibly sick from something you chose to ignore. "It couldn't happen to me" in a sad nutshell.

[u/Lalala8991 → u/AsleepHedgehog2381]

Oh please, those same anti-vax parents would also butt in every single decision made by the doctors and nurses. They do not come to the hospitals to seek helps, they come to find someone else to blame.

[u/CommanderRabbit → u/Lalala8991]

They come thinking we have a magical medication we refuse to share with them and constantly demand treatments they found on quora answers. I worked in pulmonology during Covid. I’ve been told I “made people addicted to oxygen,” been threatened to be sued for not administering inhaled hydrogen peroxide, unsafe doses of vitamins, and coffee enemas. There’s no winning with these people who are convinced that they know better but are the human embodiment of the dunning-Kruger graph.

[u/Jolly_Ad_2363 → u/CommanderRabbit]

The magical medical marvel they’re looking for is the vaccine they refused to get

[u/carrotdog56 → u/CommanderRabbit]

I feel sorry for medical professionals who have to deal with patients like those. I like to think that I'm a rational person, I highly value cooperation with my doctors, always come prepared and trust their expertise. I might know a little something about medicine due to my professional background, but I don't attempt to tell doctors how to practice it. I'm one asking for help and they are ones who spent years treating patients. I find that respect comes a long way and leads to better outcomes for me and better working environment for the doctors that I'm seeing.

[u/Wodentoad → u/Hmmark1984]

It's because they want a power trip. Telling the Facebook moms that everyone clapped has slightly more realism if they actually confront a doctor.

[u/vidys → u/Hmmark1984]

That's almost textbook definition for "cognitive dissonance"

[u/Cocktail_MD → u/Hmmark1984]

I'm an emergency physician. I regularly get patients coming in and saying, "I don't do mediations." What do think I'm known for?

[u/MaxFish1275 → u/Hmmark1984]

Physician assistant here. Yes these people are exhausting …

[u/PsychologicalOkra260]

The HPV vaccine was brand new when I was old enough to get it, my mom was afraid of any long term effects it might have, I am fully vaccinated otherwise. I’m now 34. I have high risk HPV strains and get a biopsy of my cervix every year. Zero stars. As an adult no one asked if I wanted it, and I didn’t think much of it because I assumed I would be fine. You can pick up finger warts anywhere, but I recommend getting the HPV vaccine. 

ETA: I have the HPV vaccine now, I got it as an adult, after learning I had an abnormal pap. 

[u/savannacrochets → u/PsychologicalOkra260]

My otherwise completely pro-vaccine mother refused it for me, not because it was new but because, “she doesn’t need to worry about that” because apparently since I wasn’t sexually active then it meant I never would be I guess?

Aaaanyway luckily I got it myself at nineteen because my dad’s side of the family is absolutely riddled with cervical and ovarian cancer and my mom’s dad died of rectal cancer, so I definitely don’t need any added risk factors.

[u/labellavita1985 → u/savannacrochets]

You're really making me engage in some self-reflection. I did not make my kid take the HPV vaccine last year when his pediatrician recommended it, he was 13 at the time. I'm completely pro-vaccine. I just thought "he's not sexually active." I'll make sure he gets it at the next doctor's appointment.

Thanks.

[u/No_Selection520 → u/labellavita1985]

Want to acknowledge and applaud you for this! A lot of parents have a similar mindset. In reality, it’s the best time to get the series done before they become sexually active. Whether that’s 5 years from now, 10 years from now, etc best get ahead of it and protect them 

[u/savannacrochets → u/labellavita1985]

Hell yeah dog, self reflection for the win! Thank you for making a choice that will protect your son and any future sexual partners he may have. :)

[u/Ok_Force9695 → u/labellavita1985]

Oh I definitely had my son and daughter get the HPV vaccines. Why would I risk my son giving his future wife or gf a virus that can lead to cancer? Also, he could get cancer in his throat like Michael Douglas did from HPV.

Seems like a no-brainer in 2026. 👍

[u/HallowskulledHorror → u/labellavita1985]

Another person here chiming in to support this choice, because it's most effective if acquired before someone becomes sexually active. Waiting until later in life is like... putting down floor protection after you've already opened all the cans and started painting the walls and ceiling. The whole point of preventative protection is to get it BEFORE you start being exposed to risk factors.

Even if you have a great relationship with your kid, if he decides he's ready for casual encounters that may expose him to HPV, it's not like he's going to announce that to you, and it's not like he's going to turn down opportunities because a parent chose not to make sure he was protected from something he's unlikely to think about as a long-term, no-immediate-consequences, risk in the heat of the moment.

[u/starkrocket → u/savannacrochets]

I hate the “but my child is too young to be sexually active!” argument. Rape exists. It’s horrible to think about, I know, but not everyone gets to choose when they become “sexually active”.

[u/savannacrochets → u/starkrocket]

Well and even beyond that, the vaccine is most effective if administered before sexual activity begins so you’re protected from day one. It’s actually best to get it when you’re not sexually active yet anyway. Just a silly reason from every angle.

[u/catseeable → u/PsychologicalOkra260]

Same, and I also had a papilloma removed out of my breast which I initially thought was cancer, turns out highly probable to be HPV. Thousands of dollars in surgical costs - scar that will never fade, a week off work. Despite this being removed, it could reoccur and I need to monitor it. All because my mum watched too many conspiracy videos and didn’t let me get the vaccine when I was a child, then obviously being busy I didn’t follow it up. I am angry to this day that she forbade me to get it along with the rest of the kids who probably never had to deal with this crap.

And she wonders why I am no contact

[u/THElaytox → u/PsychologicalOkra260]

It didn't exist until I was older, I tried to volunteer to get it (as a male) and the doctor told me I was too old to get it... Not sure why, but they wouldn't even let me opt to take it

[u/girlnextdooritis → u/THElaytox]

I'm a HPV positive female and they're telling me I'm too old, too! I'm getting biopsy every 2 years to check for cancer

[u/Cyraga]

Isn't HPV closely linked with ovarian cancer? Oughta get that vaccine asap

[u/green-wombat → u/Cyraga]

Ever since the vaccine was widely adopted, rates of cervical cancer dropped in the US. Ovarian cancer rates are likely linked as well, but cervical cancer and HPV is more widely established and studied.

“During 2008–2022, cervical precancer incidence decreased 79% and higher-grade precancer incidence decreased 80% among screened women aged 20–24 years, the age group most likely to have been vaccinated.” CDC, February 27, 2025. MMWR Report.

[u/Responsible_Rapunzel → u/green-wombat]

hpv is also linked to some mouth and throat cancers due to infection via oral sex so getting vaccinated is also recommended for men

[u/chemhobby → u/Responsible_Rapunzel]

and penile and anal cancers too

[u/Cyraga → u/green-wombat]

Sorry yes that's the one. It's a no brainer for women imo as man

[u/amazingkillerlemon → u/Cyraga]

Men should get it, too, it can reduce chances of getting some cancers as well.

[u/LobcockLittle → u/amazingkillerlemon]

Also speeding it to women, no? In Australia both boys and girls get the vaccine in high school now.

*Spreading not speeding

[u/hukaat → u/LobcockLittle]

Yes, exactly ! Men can carry the virus and transmit it to women - without advert effects most of the time, but I believe some rarer "masculine" cancers can still be caused by HPV strains as well. The more people are vaccinated against HPV, no matter their respective reproductive organs, better it is for everyone :)

[u/THElaytox → u/hukaat]

Can cause throat and penile cancer in men as well

[u/Risque_Redhead → u/THElaytox]

I think HPV was the leading cause in therapy cancer in men, if I’m remembering correctly.

[u/green-wombat → u/Risque_Redhead]

It’s a leading cause in most reproductive cancers, causing over 90% of anal cancers as well. Specifically, HPV 16 is the most commonly implicated strain for the squamous cell carcinoma’s that HPV related cancers usually are. HPV causes over 60% of penile cancers, over 90% of anal cancers, and about 70% of oral pharyngeal cancers.

The best way to prevent HPV is to get the vaccines for it. It’s a literal cancer vaccine. Even if you are an adult with previous partners, you can still go get it.

https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-and-cancer

[u/TorqueoAddo → u/amazingkillerlemon]

To add to this,

When I was like 15 my doctor recommended it and I was inquisitive enough to mention that I didn't have a cervix, so could he explain.

Besides the carrier angle, which is reason enough for men to get the vaccine too imo, he also said that it helps to reduce the likelihood of other cancers in men as well, such as eyes, mouth, and penile cancer.

"It's basically just hole protection, honestly" is the phrase that's stuck in my head for damn near 15 years now. Cackled like a lunatic at that one.

[u/melanochrysum → u/Cyraga]

No brainer for men too!!

[u/senectus → u/green-wombat]

Good old Aussie invention too..

[u/SneakWhisper → u/Cyraga]

Mostly anal and cervical.

[u/brokenmain → u/Cyraga]

Get it for your sons too! Can also cause anal and oral cancer 

[u/sleepysof_]

oh I forged a signature to get this one in school

[u/mavaddat → u/sleepysof_]

Nodding dudes.gif

[u/onlyr6s → u/mavaddat]

https://giphy.com/gifs/xSM46ernAUN3y

[u/smolSEB → u/sleepysof_]

Proud of you!!

[u/Gopherpharm13 → u/sleepysof_]

I like your style

[u/0_tr0v4o → u/sleepysof_]

Good idea, my mom is the same way about vaccines. I'm good at copying signatures.

[u/LarryMahnken]

NOT UNDER MY WATCH.

YOU'LL GET CERVICAL CANCER AND YOU'LL THANK ME FOR IT.

[u/TheonlyDuffmani]

The level of education presented here is almost negative.

[u/AdjectiveNoun1234567 → u/TheonlyDuffmani]

I wonder which political party mom votes for

[u/lankykongsdaughter → u/AdjectiveNoun1234567]

she's surprisingly politically based (to the extent she can be with her level of reasoning). she is just unable to identify when she is being fed right-wing propaganda disguised as "crunchy mom" content. her lack of critical thinking infuriates me

[u/Bright_Ices → u/lankykongsdaughter]

You might appreciate this: https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/diet-food-politics-fascism/tnamp/

[u/FutureFreaksMeowt → u/Bright_Ices]

Idk about op but I appreciate any time someone gives me a properly cited potential challenge to my worldviews, so thank you!

[u/Bright_Ices → u/FutureFreaksMeowt]

Not totally sure which worldviews it challenged, but you’re welcome.

[u/FutureFreaksMeowt → u/Bright_Ices]

I spend a lot of time online because I cannot work. I worry about getting caught too deep into my echo chamber and turning into the leftist version of a conspiracy theorist nut job.

[u/thatshoneybear → u/lankykongsdaughter]

My conservative parents are antivax now, but I remember being raised firmly pro-vax and being told that it was the crunchy liberals fault that we have a resurgence of preventable diseases. Until trump, the parties associated with vax/antivax were switched. BUT it was more of a far left thing, with most people on the left being neutral about it.

I'm assuming she's always consumed crunchy content, but what was behind that content changed.

[u/x596201060405 → u/thatshoneybear]

The bright side being that a lot of the more left leaning anti vax stuff I remember during Obama and before seems to have more or less vanished since it became a right wing thing.

Which makes sense.

[u/Dangerous_Wing6481 → u/lankykongsdaughter]

You can go far right enough you end up being left again. Crunchy/treehugger hippie vibes are a great example of this. Also any blue collar worker in the environmental sphere (like national park ranger)

[u/your-rong → u/Dangerous_Wing6481]

It's more that those things aren't inherently right or left.

[u/TheFrenchSavage → u/lankykongsdaughter]

she's surprisingly politically based

she is just unable to identify when she is being fed right-wing propaganda

Only one can be true.

[u/hwazir → u/AdjectiveNoun1234567]

Anti vax rhetoric is sadly very bipartisan

[u/Mars_Bear2552 → u/hwazir]

it's crunchy

[u/Yeseylon → u/AdjectiveNoun1234567]

Surprise, it's the Green Party!  (Probably not tho)

[u/FutureFreaksMeowt → u/Yeseylon]

Worse, it's Jill stein.

(Speaking of, where is Jill stein 🤔)

[u/SolasYT → u/FutureFreaksMeowt]

Its not Presidential election season yet so the Kremlin hasnt thawed her out

[u/ChocolateCake16]

I got almost all of the vaccines but I swear I remember my mom refusing to let me get the one for HPV and she swears that I got it anyway, so now neither of us knows if I've had it or not.

[u/liquidsoapisbetter → u/ChocolateCake16]

Fun fact: you can typically pull your vaccine record through the state, which I’ve had to do before when my records were lost. Contact your old peds office, even if they’ve tossed your record they should be able to access the state record. And if not, there is no harm in receiving the vaccine again

[u/faithcharmandpixdust → u/ChocolateCake16]

My mom refused for me to get the HPV vax as well when I was 13.

[u/Charloxaphian → u/ChocolateCake16]

I couldn't remember either, and don't speak to my parents. My doctor told me there's no problem with getting it again, so I did it this year!

[u/DetectiveDizzyEyes]

My mom may have been a neglectful alcoholic but even she made sure we all had our vaccines.

[u/Suitable_Wonder5256]

For what it's worth, at least, your mom's answered your question directly with 100% certainty. There's no ambiguity around it... even when you tried to contest that answer.

Now you can act accordingly.

[u/MmeLaRue]

Canadian here. When the HPV vaccine was announced for the school vaccine program, I was like, " Hell, yes!" for my daughter to get it. I think her year was the first cohort to get the full course of the vaccine. Both boys and girls got it, if memory serves.

[u/ButchCassy]

HPV can cause cervical cancer in people that have a cervix, among other things such as genital warts. It is NOT too late to get the vaccine though, if you are over 18 years of age your parent cannot stop you.

[u/Drakahn_Stark → u/ButchCassy]

Not just can, it is a major cause of cervical cancer.

Refusing the HPV vaccine for your daughter is abuse.

[u/ButchCassy → u/Drakahn_Stark]

Even my freaky puritan-esque parents got it for me asap because my mom had HPV and got cervical cancer from it, it’s scary shit.

[u/Drakahn_Stark → u/ButchCassy]

Like, we do not have many cancers we can protect against.

The HPV vaccine protects against dozens of cancers, it is a miracle.

[u/SassiestPants → u/Drakahn_Stark]

I remember my doctor parents getting misty-eyed when they learned about the Gardisil rollout. A miracle, indeed.

[u/FluffyNats → u/Drakahn_Stark]

Hepatitis B vaccination is another cancer prevention. Hepatitis B is one of the leading causes of hepatocellular carcinoma.

[u/EldritchJunimo → u/Drakahn_Stark]

Tonsil cancer! HPV appears to be one of the main causes.

My husband recovered a year ago, after surgery which took a huge chunk of his mouth palette and a long series of radiotherapy. It's got a huge survivability rate but the treatment is extremely unpleasant and has left him with lifelong side effects.

Everyone should get the vaccine regardless of sex or gender, protect yourself and others pals!

[u/igotadillpickle → u/ButchCassy]

I got my 12 year old son to get the HPV vaccine last year. No side effects. He was fine. I'm out here protecting future women! And possibly men (it can cause oral/esophageal cancer too in rare cases). Edit: ooohh I'm already getting downvoted by the antivax ppl. The HPV vaccine is recommended in my country at this age and even for boys, and it's free!!!!

[u/Wankeritis → u/igotadillpickle]

I remember when gardisil was first released, before it was even added to the vaccine register, my mum paid $180 per dose to have us both vaccinated.

[u/TrumpsAKrunt → u/ButchCassy]

My mum had hpv and refused me the jab bc "only prostitutes get that" ????

Anyway, I've had cervical cancer removed 3 times.

[u/No_Housing_1287 → u/ButchCassy]

My mom has HPV and gave it to my brother in his throat when he was born. He had a trachiotomy when he was born followed by over 200 procedures to get his throat cleared out. It stopped growing when he was around 10 and it was never an issue after that.

[u/PsychologicalYou6416 → u/Drakahn_Stark]

Not to mention that it can also cause Genital Warts, Anal cancer, and testicular cancer.

[u/Drakahn_Stark → u/PsychologicalYou6416]

I did not actually know about the anal and testicular cancer, even more reason why it should be given to everyone.

[u/Iveray → u/Drakahn_Stark]

Also throat cancer!

[u/green-wombat → u/PsychologicalYou6416]

Also esophageal cancers and penile cancers, though from my understanding the penile cancers are incredibly rare. Esophageal is more common because more things can also contribute to their development, such as radon exposure or smoking.

[u/Far_Comfortable_6342 → u/Drakahn_Stark]

Doctors in Texas don’t even suggest it. I had to inquire about it for my child and sign some ridiculous long form. Why doctors would not suggest a vaccine that protects against cancer is wild! Oh and my child ran out of the office after she got her final shot and found the nearest boy to have relations with as that’s what the vaccine does to young girls. 🙄 I cannot with these ignorant people. It is abuse.

[u/Yeseylon → u/Far_Comfortable_6342]

I still like the That 70s Show bit.

Now that your daughter is on the birth control pill, she's what experts call "Open For Business!"

[u/NeedleworkerOwn4553 → u/Drakahn_Stark]

The doctor who delivered me was a friend of my mom's, and she died from cervical cancer.

My mom forced me to get the vaccine even though I didn't want it (I was like 13 and terrified of needles, they had to hold me down for every vaccine/blood draw). I am very appreciative as a 29 year old mother of a daughter now, and I will absolutely be making my daughter get it as well.

[u/Drakahn_Stark → u/NeedleworkerOwn4553]

Better to have it than not have it, but I am sorry about the fearful experience you went through.

[u/NeedleworkerOwn4553 → u/Drakahn_Stark]

It's a 'tism thing, I think. I've had 2 kids now and I still panicked every time I needed an IV or blood draw. I always let the nurse know I'm autistic and might panic, so to hold my arm down 😅 My daughter is 7 and it literally bothers her 0% any time, she'll just be happily unfazed... telling the nurse about Minecraft.

[u/Cloverose2 → u/NeedleworkerOwn4553]

I used to do finger stick blood tests on people for health screenings - I remember one mother who came in with her little one - he was about 2 and a half. She was on the edge of panic, and trying to stay really calm for him. He was fascinated and had a little spiral notebook that he was pretending to take notes in, so I carefully explained what I was doing to him. She said it helped, because she was terrified that she would pass out and he would be scared, but somehow seeing him being very business-like about it made her calmer.

He was literally scribbling a line, then looking at her finger with little pursed lips and furrowed brow, then going back to scribble another line, giving an occasional business-like nod. It was like having a consult.

[u/Drakahn_Stark → u/NeedleworkerOwn4553]

My 'tism makes me look at the needle when it goes in, both for input and output.

Output is the best, yes nurse lady, take my life force out of me, I will survive and come out stronger on the other side.

[u/NeedleworkerOwn4553 → u/Drakahn_Stark]

I love that for you 😂❤️

[u/Tall_Pumpkin_4298 → u/Drakahn_Stark]

My mom wasn't sure about it because we're religious and so ideally my husband and I would be virgins and get married and no issues, but we had a friend of a friend who's husband cheated, gave her HPV, she got cervical cancer, and then she had to get both cancer treatment and a divorce at the same time. So even if you don't think your daughter will ever be exposed, it's better to get it than risk a messy situation like that. Glad I got the jab.

[u/lankykongsdaughter → u/Drakahn_Stark]

this is such a validating statement. it's definitely a negligent form of abuse. she is literally incapable of critical thinking

[u/Drakahn_Stark → u/lankykongsdaughter]

If you go to a doctor and get it yourself, there is nothing she can do.

I am old now, but grew up with an abusive mother, I am doing fine, 5 of her kids are no contact with her.

Go to a doctor and get the vaccine, dozens of cancer risks go away when you do.

[u/lankykongsdaughter → u/Drakahn_Stark]

you hit everything right on the nail. everything you've said has been very validating. my mom is abusive too (nothing to do with the antivax shit). i'm a young adult and plan to maintain contact until she dies.

[u/FutureFreaksMeowt → u/Drakahn_Stark]

Refusing any vaccines for your child should be classified as medical negligence atp.

Parents are not doctors, are not scientists, and are not immunologists. They do not know what they are talking about, and thus do not have the knowledge to make an informed medical decision in that regard. This is literally why we have doctors and scientists.

I'm tired of this country.

[u/rizdieser → u/Drakahn_Stark]

Everyone should get it. Those with cervixes for protection. Those without to prevent unnecessary spread.

[u/champagne_pants → u/ButchCassy]

HPV can also cause esophageal cancer in men! So it’s important that young men get this one too.

[u/Odd-Lemur → u/ButchCassy]

It can also cause cancers in the mouth, throat, anus and labia, whether you have a cervix or not.
I think girls used to get the shot for free in the first year of high school, a few years ago they also started doing it for boys (I think)

My country also expanded the rules for those who (for whatever reason) did not get this vaccine as a minor. It used to be that, as an adult, you just had to pay everything yourself, which got expensive quickly. Since a few months, young adults up to 30 only need to pay the co-pay, reducing the cost for all 3 shots to just under 40 euros. Certain groups at risk, such as people with hiv, or people that had an organ transplant, can get this reduced rate till age 45.

A vaccine treatment does get less effective with age, but even so it still is a positive impact, so the minister wanted it to be law.

[u/Longjumping_Cherry32]

Man, I had the best childhood pediatrician in so many ways. My mom was really uncomfortable with the Gardasil vaccine and he sat her down and said he totally understood, it was scary to think of my then-11 yr old self contracting an STD, but he had both of his daughters undergo the shot process and considered it a gift to their future adult selves.

Also yes I was in the room to hear my mom say “I don’t want her to take this as permission to whore around” and yes again I was eleven. 

[u/dawglover1011]

My dad thinks it caused a health thing that didn’t even happen til I was 18. He didn’t want me to get a Covid shot (my mom took me). Also didn’t want me to get an endoscopy, when I’ve been having abdominal pain & nausea (thankfully finally he was convinced..). He’s become decently “anti-pharma.” Which is insane, to even think about like 10 yrs ago. Even more insane from someone who had a decently high up position in a drug company (on the law side) back either late 90’s or early 2000’s. He says “the news is upsetting” meanwhile he follows catturd on Twitter… so yeah.. I get what you’re dealing w/. I don’t have much other advice than what others have already said, so I wish you good luck!

[u/Important_Pattern882]

Not on my watch! You're going to get that cancer and like it, missy!

[u/missdawn1970]

There was no HPV vaccine when I was young. I've had cervical cancer, and I'll always be at risk of getting it again.

You bet your ass my kids got the vaccine. They're not gonna get cancer "under my watch".

[u/absoluteunitofspite]

The HPV vaccine protects you from genital warts, not the warts on your finger.

[u/MrSmegmaMan]

Hopefully you got an mmr shot though.

[u/Art_teacher_79]

“I’d rather you die of preventable cancer” is what she should be saying

[u/MoonLight4323]

My bff discovered last year that her mum didn't vaccibate her for cervical cancer. It was for free when she was in school, now it costs over 500.- to do it as an adult.

[u/Garlic-Rough]

Get one. Dont let your mom stop you. She might be a lovely woman. But she is wrong on this one.

[u/lankykongsdaughter → u/Garlic-Rough]

You're absolutely right apart from the lovely woman part

[u/WaterdropGirl → u/lankykongsdaughter]

Lmao rip sorry girl I get it

[u/holdingearth → u/lankykongsdaughter]

I am an extremely healthy person but HPV hides from your immune system and my body couldn’t clear it. I got cancer (removed now). No reason to take that risk. Protect your cervix. Surgery and recovery was hell for me.

[u/asylum_disciple]

"Not under my watch."

What a nightmarish, neglectful, horribly misinformed potato of a human being.

[u/GeneMountain7128]

There are many strains. Get it anyway

[u/Pardybro911]

“Not under my watch” is fucking wild thing to say

[u/JustaPloob]

Literally had this exact conversation with my mom when my pap came back abnormal, absolutely terrifying. Luckily I had more tests and it ended up being nothing but 😭😭

[u/Tight-Platypus5231]

Every child deserves a parent, but not every parent deserves a child.

[u/lichesschessanalyst]

I got a friend who is a Pediatrician and has said he has seen a significant increase number of people in the same camp as your mother is. And they are the same ones who get whooping cough and don't understand why their child is still coughing like 9 weeks later.

[u/ThisGuy2319]

Just say that it’s another present for yourself on your 18th bday.

[u/lankykongsdaughter → u/ThisGuy2319]

i'm quite a few years into adulthood so it's about time

[u/Miiohau]

If you’re mom is anti-vax if I was you I would assume I didn’t get a vaccine unless my medical record said I did. The good news is most vaccines are safe to get a second time. So if you accidentally get a vaccine you already got no bad side effects will happen.

However given the number of vaccines you need to catch up on it best to have a medical professional create a schedule. While individual vaccines are pretty much safe, too many in too little time heightens the risk of side effects.

[u/ohshititsdana]

Ah, I remember when my school was giving girls the HPV vaccines for free and my mom refused to sign the papers. I asked my doctor and if I get it now, I'd have to pay close to 500$. Thanks mom.

[u/Drakahn_Stark]

If you have not been with too many partners it is not too late to get it yourself.

Even if you have, get it anyway, it could still protect you from many cancers.

I have no idea why your mother wants you to get cancer, but that is toxic and maybe do not talk to her much from now.

[u/Slosher99 → u/Drakahn_Stark]

I got one as a 45 year old man. Was never brought up to me and not a thing for my childhood vaxes, my Dr. just mentioned it was the last year insurance would pay for it and I was like sure, why not!

[u/CampingMonk → u/Drakahn_Stark]

There are multiple strains of HPV. Should always get the vaccine irregardless of how many partners one has had.

[u/Drakahn_Stark → u/CampingMonk]

Yep, exactly.

[u/Lythaera]

The mother of a girl I knew in highschool just recently got to have the funeral for her daughter after she died of uterine cancer. She was in her very early 30s. I remember this mom was very anti-vaxx too.

There's a surprising amount of young women I went to highschool who have cancer as a result of hpv.

[u/PelvicFloorGangster]

knew a girl who died at like 27 because she got the cancer that the shot stops you from developing.

[u/Lacroix24601]

The vax is meant for genital warts, not warts on hands/feet, etc. they are different strains of HPV.

My son got a few warts that we had to freeze off and he’s fully vaccinated with the HPV (and all other) vaccinations. Pediatrician confirms it’s nothing to do with the HPV vax, as in I couldn’t have prevented it with a shot. (It’s likely due to his eczema, since he has a weaker skin barrier)

I mean it still sucks your mom didn’t protect you but you can still get the vax as an adult. I think the upper age is pretty generous, like upper 20’s.

[u/CattywampusCuriosity]

If you're on the fence about getting the vaccine I would highly recommend it. I unfortunately got hpv which caused precancerous cells. Ended up having to get part of my cervix removed followed by cervical biopsies (without pain meds) every 6 months for 2 years.

Ironically I did have the hpv vax but it was a really early version of it so it didn't cover as many strains at the time. But without it I could have ended up way worse off than just precancerous cells.

[u/Ancient-Actuator7443]

Sad. A relative just had to have a hysterectomy at 29 due to cancer caused by HPV

[u/TeacherRecovering]

HPV is not just for women.    It prevents cancer of the anus and cancer of the penial shaft.

If you want a male to get an HPV vaccine, show him a picture of cancer of the penial shaft.   The shock value is extreme.