<p>I worry about that too, same with the meningitis shot as it doesn’t protect against viral or all the bacterial strains.
So many things kids can get in college.
I think mine got colds more often too.</p>
<p>Most people don’t use protection just to protect against HPV so I wouldn’t worry much about the false sense of security thing. We don’t protect ourselves well against HPV as it is :/</p>
<p>Pizza, this is a quick post to let you know despite my screen name. I have never diagnosed anything using the internet. I do read about things so I can be knowledgeable when I need to talk to my doctor. But even then real doctors are not the end all and be all. More on it later when I’m not busy.</p>
<p>A friend of mine died of ovarian cancer years after her total hysterectomy. It’s rare, but it happens.</p>
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<p><a href=“Ovarian cancer: Still possible after hysterectomy? - Mayo Clinic”>Ovarian cancer: Still possible after hysterectomy? - Mayo Clinic;
<p>Romani is completely correct - condoms do not protect against HPV, but they do stop the spread of HIV and other infections and prevent unwanted pregnancies.</p>
<p>@romanigypsyeyes- I was talking about the fact they may think they don’t have to continue to get regular Pap tests…</p>
<p>I have a heavy family history of high blood pressure and strokes. So I got off BCPs very early and have not done HRT. I would have done both if not for my medical history.</p>
<p>I had a huge ovarian cyst which necessitated having the entire ovary removed. I told my doctor to ligate the other tube since I was already going to be put under general anesthesia. No need for my DH to have a vasectomy in my case. </p>
<p>This is such a personal choice which can be influenced by highly individual factors-no one can argue that there is a “best” option for everyone. Not without totally losing credibility anyway.</p>
<p>Yep, had a vasectomy at 37 after three kids and wife’s breast cancer. We must travel in different circles, EK4, because they are really common among our friends. Kind of like 2018Dad, I had occasional shooting pains for months afterwards; it felt kind of like someone randomly put a pair of vise grips on the testes and yanked. Hurt like hell.</p>
<p>D is on BC pills because of menstrual issues. All three kids have had the HPV vaccine series.</p>
<p>PSA - please have your daughters get Gardasil (assuming they are of the right age bracket). </p>
<p>Gardadil is for boys too</p>
<p>MG, I guess in order for that to happen, you’d have to assume a large chunk of girls and women are getting pap tests because they’re afraid of cervical cancer. I don’t think that’s the case. I think that most women get them because it’s just part of their typical health regiment. </p>
<p>I do agree that it’s something that primary care docs and gynos need to keep in mind as a possibility and continue to stress their importance to their patients 
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<p>Got it, MichiganGeorgia. That can potentially be mitigated by regular checkup schedules that include all recommend testing and educational materials and recommendations of doctors. </p>
<p>Oops. Cross-posted with Romani. </p>
<p>Magnetron - yikes. </p>
<p>Nrdsba4, I had an ovarian cyst that was about the size of a grapefruit.
You would not believe how long it took me to get it diagnosed.
This was about 38 years ago, I hope they are better now.
Because the symptoms mimicked pregnancy ( nausea, no periods, swollen belly, tender breasts), I kept going to the dr for a pregnancy test. They couldn’t find anything wrong so I was sent to a psychiatrist.
He couldn’t find anything wrong either!
I was in a lot of pain, as the cyst kept twisting so I wouldnt give up until I found a Dr who performed a hysterosalpingogram. No anesthesia, one of the most painful experiences Ive ever had including labor & bone surgery. It didn’t help that he was a ahole. ( he said, " if you think thats painful, just wait till you give birth!")</p>
<p>However, the radiation seemed to have done something as it then absorbed back into my body, although that side never really worked after that.
I also found out that I have a bicornate uterus, so it was a useful test, though I never returned to that Dr, as he was more sadistic than your average OB/ gyn.</p>
<p>Magnetron, it is true that H’s peers, blue collar workers generally do not opt for a vasectomy as often as those with higher incomes and education, but in my circle even the college educated husbands of my friends havent had one.</p>
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<p>Mine was only orange sized. I went to the doctor complaining of terrible pain, worse when sitting. The cyst was pressing on nerves and giving me excruciating pain. I can’t imagine living with that for more than I did, which was probably a couple of days before I called the doctor. They saw me that day, and immediately did one of those intravaginal ultrasounds and saw it clearly. I was in surgery a day or so later. The plan was to remove the cyst, but they ended up taking the whole ovary. I am glad I didn’t experience the kind of delay in diagnosis you did. Oh, and I guess it was 10 or 12 years ago.</p>
<p>As a good friend said to her doctor once:</p>
<p>“Why do you guys always measure these things in terms of citrus fruits?”</p>