June 2007 – Gardasil
Gardasil is a vaccination against Human Papillomavirus
(HPV) manufactured by Merck & Co. It is marketed as an
“Anti-Cancer” vaccine to females 9-26 years of age.
www.gardasil.com
The Naturopathic Perspective
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It is important to note that there is no
cervical cancer epidemic in Canada, and that
Canada has some of the lowest cervical cancer
rates in the world. |
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70% of women with HPV infection clear it
spontaneously within 1 year; 90% within 2 years.
This means that even if a woman has a high risk
strain of HPV there is a very good likelihood
that their immune system will be able to resolve
it naturally. |
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The risk of any cervical disease is greatly
decreased with a yearly Pap smear and safe
sexual practices. |
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There is a concern that this vaccine will give
women a false sense of security and decrease
yearly Paps and safe sexual practices.
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There are other factors that increase the risk
of cervical cancers; such as, long-term
contraceptive use, poverty, stress, smoking and
nutritional deficiencies. Addressing these
factors, irrespective of vaccination, is very
important. |
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There are 15 different types of HPV that might
cause cancer. Gardasil was developed to address
only 4 types. |
May 2007 – Lybrel
Lybrel is a low-dose prescription oral contraceptive
marketed as a "no period pill" by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals.
www.wyeth.com/news
The Naturopathic Perspective
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No studies have been done to determine the risks
of not menstruating for prolonged periods of
time. |
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No independent studies have been done to
determine if indeed Lybrel will relieve
cycle-related headaches, breast tenderness,
cramps or nausea. |
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Adverse reactions similar to those associated
with use of any birth control pills can occur.
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Women are cyclical, and the body is meant to
change cyclically - disturbing that bio-rhythm
can set a woman up for many different health
concerns. |
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Menstruation is a natural process. |
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There are many tools within the scope of
naturopathic medicine which can be used to
modify, and balance a woman's cycle. |