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What I Wish I Knew About the HPV Vaccine (Gardasil) Before Getting It
In 2007, like many young Australian women, I was told by my GP that I should get the Gardasil vaccine. I was 22 and impressionable. The promise was clear: protection from cervical cancer and peace of mind, so I didn’t question it. No one explained the potential side effects, the lack of long-term data, or how the immune system and hormonal balance might be affected – I trusted my GP and I trusted the system.
If you’re a mum, a woman in your 30s or 40s, or someone considering this vaccine for your child, this article is for you, because in hindsight, I wish I had asked more questions.
What Is Gardasil and why is it given?
Gardasil is a vaccine developed to protect against certain strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection. The original Gardasil protected against four types of HPV (6, 11, 16, 18), and the newer version, Gardasil 9, covers nine strains.
It’s marketed as a way to prevent:
- Cervical cancer
- Genital warts
- Some head, neck, anal, and throat cancers
The vaccine was first introduced in Australia in 2007 and rolled out in schools for girls, later including boys. Australia has one of the highest HPV vaccination rates in the world.
The promised benefit vs. what we know now
The vaccine’s key selling point is that HPV causes 99% of cervical cancers. But here’s what often gets left out:
- Most HPV infections clear on their own without intervention.
- Cervical cancer develops slowly and can be detected early through Pap smears.
- Gardasil only protects against some strains of HPV, not all.
While early data showed a reduction in HPV-related infections, the long-term efficacy in preventing cervical cancer still depends on regular screening and overall immune health.
The side effects I wish were talked about
It’s easy to find the “safe and effective” headlines, but dig a little deeper and a different picture starts to emerge:
- Reported adverse reactions include chronic fatigue, autoimmune disorders, POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), premature ovarian failure, and neurological symptoms.
- Many of these reports come from healthy young women who experienced major health changes after their shots.
- The TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) has received thousands of adverse event reports including five deaths linked to Gardasil, though only a small percentage are investigated further. (If you click the TGA link to the left, just search HPV and you’ll find it there.)
Doctors like Dr. Austin Lake and Dr. Lara Briden have voiced concern over the underreporting of vaccine side effects and the lack of comprehensive informed consent.
What the research is starting to show
While the pharmaceutical industry maintains the safety profile of Gardasil, several independent studies and reviews are challenging that narrative:
- A study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine linked HPV vaccination to increased risk of autoimmune symptoms in some women.
- Data from Japan, Denmark, and Sweden have reported unusual clusters of chronic fatigue, joint pain, and neurological issues post-vaccination.
- The Cochrane Collaboration, considered one of the most reputable medical review bodies, faced criticism for overlooking safety data in their 2018 analysis of HPV vaccines.
Hormonal and immune system disruption
From a functional medicine and alternative health perspective, anything that interferes with the immune system, hormonal axis, or detox pathways should be approached cautiously.
Doctors like Dr. Will Cole and Dr. Amy Shah speak frequently about the connection between inflammation, the gut, and the immune system. When we bypass natural immunity and directly stimulate the immune system with synthetic antigens and adjuvants (like aluminium), it can have ripple effects.
- Hormonal irregularities and menstrual cycle changes are increasingly reported post-vaccine.
- The developing immune system in children and teens is highly sensitive to immune disruption.
- Long-term studies on fertility outcomes are still limited.
Risk vs. reward: What informed consent should include
Informed consent isn’t fear-based, it’s knowledge-based.
If I had known then what I know now, here’s what I would have wanted to weigh:
- What’s the actual statistical risk of developing cervical cancer?
- How does regular Pap smear screening reduce that risk?
- What are the known and potential long-term side effects?
- How can I strengthen my immune system to naturally clear HPV?
Doctors like Dr. Libby Weaver emphasize the importance of detoxification, nutrition, and whole-body wellness when supporting the body against viruses and infections.
What you can do instead (or alongside)
If you choose not to get the vaccine or you want to support your body naturally:
- Regular Pap smears and cervical screening remain the most effective early detection method (however it is wise to also research the pap smear cervical brush that is sterilised with: Ethylene oxide)
- Support the immune system with good gut health, a wholefood diet, minimal sugar, and proper sleep.
- Supplement smart: zinc, vitamin C, vitamin D, NAC, selenium.
- Minimise endocrine disruptors in personal care products, food packaging, and tap water.
- Consider gentle detox practices like infrared sauna, grounding, dry body brushing and lymphatic massage.
Know more so you can make an informed choice
The intention of this article is not to scare, but to empower.
I firmly believe in informed consent. I believe in asking questions. I believe your body is intelligent and capable of healing when supported naturally.
For the women reading this who, like me, had the vaccine without truly understanding it, you still have the power to support your health from here forward.
For the mothers considering it for their daughters, know that you have every right to pause, research, and make the decision that feels right for your family 💗
