About the shot that protects against cervical cancer

[curious_woman]

Does it still work AFTER having unprotected sex?

My partner and I were discussing it...he thinks $90 isn't really worth it, seeing as we've already had unprotected and the risk is low for women to get cervical cancer, especially at my age.

I say I really should get it, because he had lots of other partners before me, and because I have an IUD it increases my chances of getting cervical cancer.

Which of us is right, and should I or shouldn't I?

[demonbuttercup]

Had you read thru this post?

I mean from what I understand it vaccinates you from HPV which has been linked to cervical cancer... so if you and your b/f have already had unprotected sex... then you would have already gotten whatever he might have to give you.

Unless there is a different one out there now?
Ok I see there is the Gardisil and now a new one Cervarix... what's the difference?

[sera300]

Talk to your doc! Get tested and get the shot, you have nothing to loose and the world to gain. I would advise you to do it. $90.00 is worth preventing the potential long term costs.

[curious_woman]

I have already been tested, and I'm clean, I only had sex once prior to him, with protection. He was tested a few years ago and was fine. Besides neither of us had unprotected before each other...well he did once, with a virgin (she was on the pill for cramps). Neither did either of us have had condoms break, so we're totally safe imo.

And yeah, thats what I said to him. We decided we will talk with my gyne on the 9th, I have a followup appointment for my IUD. We'll decide then if its worth it.

Yes I have read it DBC, but was just making sure I had my facts right .

[sera300]

Originally Posted by curious_woman

I have already been tested, and I'm clean, I only had sex once prior to him, with protection. He was tested a few years ago and was fine. Besides neither of us had unprotected before each other...well he did once, with a virgin (she was on the pill for cramps). Neither did either of us have had condoms break, so we're totally safe imo.

And yeah, thats what I said to him. We decided we will talk with my gyne on the 9th, I have a followup appointment for my IUD. We'll decide then if its worth it.

Yes I have read it DBC, but was just making sure I had my facts right .

Curious:

It's your body, and you need to ultimately decide what's best for you....YOU decide not WE'LL.

[curious_woman]

Yeah...but I don't work, I'm in school (even though I'm off for the summer)...so he's paying . I think he'll do it if I insist, he's not the type to put his foot down if he knows its important to me.

[Brandye]

It is recommended for women between nine and fifteen, roughly, depending upon what country you are in. Once you have been infected, it does not work. Some countries, hospitals, doctors will not administer the shot above a certain age such as 26.

It is estimated that about fifty percent of the population carries the four HPVs that cause cancer. During your twenties, your immune system is strong enough that the HPV will be "cured;" beyond about thirty, that is no longer true. If you have active (live) HPV, regardless of symptoms, the shot will not be administered.

Talk to your doctor. I recommend to all my patients who meet the age and testing guidelines. If the doctor is willing, get the shot and the follow up boosters. IT IS WORTH IT. And if it is successful, you will never know because you will not develop cervical cancer. There is a sticky on this.

[curious_woman]

Well I guess I'm past the age thing then, being 18.

Besides if it has to be BEFORE unprotected sex its too late for me anyways. Oh well, it shouldn't be an issue anyways.

[sera300]

Originally Posted by curious_woman

Well I guess I'm past the age thing then, being 18.

Besides if it has to be BEFORE unprotected sex its too late for me anyways. Oh well, it shouldn't be an issue anyways.

Check your country...each is different. And the fact you had unprotected sex does not necessarily negate the shot, check your country!!!! Here in NY, you would most likely still get it, unless you had a documented case of it or positive testing...

[curious_woman]

Not sure what its like in Canada. I know when I first went to get BC the doctors told me to get it, but I couldn't afford it and wasn't sexually active then. (wanted BC for period problems) I'm pretty sure I don't have it lol after all I had a pap in April maybe, and another exam when I had my IUD inserted.

I'll just speak with my gyne on the 9th as originally planned!