Cervical Cancer Injections after Intercourse

LegacyUser

Hey guys, not sure if this the right place Im posting in, so mods feel free to move it, if Im incorrect.

Basically I'm wondering if I can still get the cervical cancer injections since I've already lost my virginity. I've heard its most effective if you get them before you have intercourse but is that actually true. I'm kind of worried now that I have no protection against this terrible disease now.

scuby

i wouldnt think it makes a difference..

thefeatheredcat

tbh I think that if this is in relation to the nationwide vaccination in schools, you should perhaps approach your school nurse or your GP about this just so that there's no misunderstanding.

I did find a website relating to this from the HSE but I'm not sure if it's the same thing, so don't want to direct you there in case I'm wrong. So best advice is speak to a GP or even a nurse about it so that you're well informed, as they can give you the facts that you need.

LegacyUser

thefeatheredcat wrote: »

tbh I think that if this is in relation to the nationwide vaccination in schools, you should perhaps approach your school nurse or your GP about this just so that there's no misunderstanding.

I did find a website relating to this from the HSE but I'm not sure if it's the same thing, so don't want to direct you there in case I'm wrong. So best advice is speak to a GP or even a nurse about it so that you're well informed, as they can give you the facts that you need.

Hi OP, here
should have added, Im an adult in my early twenties long past my schooldays..lol

thefeatheredcat

sorry op

Em, in any case, it may be best to have a chat with your GP or even a nurse in your GP's office to be sure and on the safe side!

Nevyn

Yes you can still get it, you dont' need to be a virgin.

I was told it was useless if you'd ever had sex. I don't believe this, but this is what they tell you in the UK. At 23, I'd only had one previous partner (who had only slept with two virgins, as far as he was aware), and asked for the jab before I slept with my now-boyfriend, but was told I was too old. I now have 'moderate' precancerous cells. I think they have this irritating 'one size fits all' policy, as if they decide that if you're X age, you must have had a number of partners. I remember even at my colposcopy, the doctor was looking at me as if she didn't believe me when I told her my current BF was my second partner ever (I'm now 25). Really annoyed me. You might have better luck convincing them.

LegacyUser

haha, no problem feather....I wasnt very clear in my original post.

Izzy, do you mean precancerous cells as in cervical cancer cells. Im rather afraid now. I wish I had this injection before that, but Ive also read reports of deaths due to the injection in the examiner. Also I mean this injection wasnt around in the past, and our mothers and grandmothers well mine anyway never got it, so surely thats a good sign too maybe. Important thing I suppose is just to be screened reguarly and look out for it.

Wibbs

Well if you have been using condoms up to now that would help protect you against the HPV virus. In any case there are a fair few different strains of the virus. The vaccine protects you against more than one strain. You may not have been exposed to those yet, or only one. Your partner(s) may have had only one or two different strains(or none), not all of which are implicated in cervical cell changes. So if I was a woman I'd still be getting it, regardless of sexual history. Indeed maybe they should be giving it to young men too.

Bottle_of_Smoke

Emberly High Racehorse wrote: »

I was told it was useless if you'd ever had sex. I don't believe this, but this is what they tell you in the UK. At 23, I'd only had one previous partner (who had only slept with two virgins, as far as he was aware), and asked for the jab before I slept with my now-boyfriend, but was told I was too old. I now have 'moderate' precancerous cells. I think they have this irritating 'one size fits all' policy, as if they decide that if you're X age, you must have had a number of partners. I remember even at my colposcopy, the doctor was looking at me as if she didn't believe me when I told her my current BF was my second partner ever (I'm now 25). Really annoyed me. You might have better luck convincing them.

If you have the moderate pre-cancerous cells you must have caught the HPV strain from one of your partners. So the jab wouldn't have done you any good.

Wibbs wrote: »

Well if you have been using condoms up to now that would help protect you against the HPV virus. In any case there are a fair few different strains of the virus. The vaccine protects you against more than one strain. You may not have been exposed to those yet, or only one. Your partner(s) may have had only one or two different strains(or none), not all of which are implicated in cervical cell changes. So if I was a woman I'd still be getting it, regardless of sexual history. Indeed maybe they should be giving it to young men too.

I don't think condoms give much protection because the virus is passed through skin to skin contact. Even during condom sex the shaft end of the penis and surrounding areas will come in contact with parts of the vagina as the condom will always slip slightly back and forth. You do have a point though in the unlikely event you haven't been exposed to the specific viruses it is possible the vaccine could help. Though I'm not sure the cost of the vaccine is actually worth that low possibility.

This is why they give the vaccine free to very young girls. Its a waste of healthcare funds after a certain age. You are right about giving it to boys though, if they gave it to all kids herd immunity would start to kick in

magneticimpulse

Emberly High Racehorse wrote: »

I was told it was useless if you'd ever had sex. I don't believe this, but this is what they tell you in the UK. At 23, I'd only had one previous partner (who had only slept with two virgins, as far as he was aware), and asked for the jab before I slept with my now-boyfriend, but was told I was too old. I now have 'moderate' precancerous cells. I think they have this irritating 'one size fits all' policy, as if they decide that if you're X age, you must have had a number of partners. I remember even at my colposcopy, the doctor was looking at me as if she didn't believe me when I told her my current BF was my second partner ever (I'm now 25). Really annoyed me. You might have better luck convincing them.

Well I can tell you from France that you are entitled for every woman 26 and under to get the Vaccine FOR FREE!! I was 28 and they said that I would not be entitled to get it FOR FREE, but that if I paid €120, then 2 x €48 for the injections I could get it. All I needed was a GP's prescription each time for the 3 injections. I opted to have Garadsil (or something like that made by Sanofi-Aventis)

Published Scientific results have shown that women up to 48 can benefit from these injections and that men too can also benefit. There is some speculation that it might also reduce Cancer of the Penis.

Either way, if you are turned away it might be that you are turned away for getting the Vaccine for free. If you state that you are willing to pay then they might have a different attitude. Failing that you still have time to get it in France!!

Note that I had to go to the pharmacy to buy this after prescription and then take it to the Clinic immediately as the vaccine needs to be kept in the fridge (based on my own experience).

Are you willing to put a price on your life? Look at Jade Goody, she was only 27 after she died. After that I went to my GP and demanded I get the vaccine. I was willing to pay, and I will always have to go for Smear tests throughout my life (everyone does) and I have done so each year since I was 22. Anyway anything that can reduce complications regarding health is life is always a benefit. Sure you could spend 200 euro on a pair of Boots or jacket...why would anyone not take as much care with their health?? Even if the chances of it being 100% effective....40%, 60 or even 80% more effective at reducing you risks is better then 0%

magneticimpulse

kindaworried wrote: »

haha, no problem feather....I wasnt very clear in my original post.

Izzy, do you mean precancerous cells as in cervical cancer cells. Im rather afraid now. I wish I had this injection before that, but Ive also read reports of deaths due to the injection in the examiner. Also I mean this injection wasnt around in the past, and our mothers and grandmothers well mine anyway never got it, so surely thats a good sign too maybe. Important thing I suppose is just to be screened reguarly and look out for it.

No I think it was fear that one company had produced the vaccine with trace amounts of mercury or something like that?

I think one girl died after taking the vaccine about 24 hours later but as far I know it had no connection to the Vaccine whatsoever and there was a right up about the newspapers putting people off. As far as I remember the girl had other health problems such as heart or brain etc...either way Im sure doctors ask a general check up list before they give it to you.

I went for Garadisil by Sanofi-Aventis and I remember doing my research at the time and this was is apparently the "safer" one.

magneticimpulse

Wibbs wrote: »

Well if you have been using condoms up to now that would help protect you against the HPV virus. In any case there are a fair few different strains of the virus. The vaccine protects you against more than one strain. You may not have been exposed to those yet, or only one. Your partner(s) may have had only one or two different strains(or none), not all of which are implicated in cervical cell changes. So if I was a woman I'd still be getting it, regardless of sexual history. Indeed maybe they should be giving it to young men too.

Theres 4 different types of strains of the HPV virus, as far as I know

Bottle_of_Smoke

magneticimpulse wrote: »

Theres 4 different types of strains of the HPV virus, as far as I know

thers 100s. but i think 4 are confirmed to lead to cervical cancer, others to warts including those appearing on and near genitals

Butterflylove

the reason they are doing it in the schools is because it is most effective before puberty

every women has the cells and the precancerous/abnormal cells are activated through unprotected intercourse

I currently have the precancerous cells and am due to have them removed it is a quick and while uncomfortable procedure its pretty painless have been told its simlar to a biospy,

If you have the injections now they may have no real affect considering your age and the fact you have already had intercourse

regural smears and protection would probably be more effective,

Also an earlier poster mentioned Jade Goody, she had the cells and did not kept up with her regural check ups the vacine would have done her no good.

magneticimpulse

Butterflylove wrote: »

the reason they are doing it in the schools is because it is most effective before puberty

every women has the cells and the precancerous/abnormal cells are activated through unprotected intercourse

I currently have the precancerous cells and am due to have them removed it is a quick and while uncomfortable procedure its pretty painless have been told its simlar to a biospy,

If you have the injections now they may have no real affect considering your age and the fact you have already had intercourse

regural smears and protection would probably be more effective,

I would advise you to actually look up the published results carried out that says it is effective!!! I am not a GP.

Yes its more effective to give before...but its equally good for older women to get the vaccine too. Like I said, in France they give it to all women up til 26. I hardly think all french women are virgins til 26??

The reason they dont promote it in Ireland is because its like any health care in Ireland...they have little or no money to fund basic health care projects to the large population and this vaccine cost €600...as it is i paid in full and it still only costed me about €300 so the french government obviously footed half the bill in the end.

magneticimpulse

Here is a link to the vaccines webpage who they themselves state its effective in women to take ages 9 - 26. I dont like that there is misunderstood medical information being put about here.

So its best to check out http://www.gardasil.com/ and see for yourself women are seen to benefit from it even after intercourse!!!

magneticimpulse

INFORMATION ABOUT GARDASIL

GARDASIL is the only human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine that helps protect against 4 types of HPV. In girls and young women ages 9 to 26, GARDASIL helps protect against 2 types of HPV that cause about 75% of cervical cancer cases, and 2 more types that cause 90% of genital warts cases. In boys and young men ages 9 to 26, GARDASIL helps protect against 90% of genital warts cases.
GARDASIL also helps protect girls and young women ages 9 to 26 against 70% of vaginal cancer cases and up to 50% of vulvar cancer cases.
GARDASIL may not fully protect everyone, nor will it protect against diseases caused by other HPV types or against diseases not caused by HPV. GARDASIL does not prevent all types of cervical cancer, so it’s important for women to continue routine cervical cancer screenings. GARDASIL does not treat cancer or genital warts. GARDASIL is given as 3 injections over 6 months.


If I’m already sexually active, is it too late for me to get vaccinated?

No, it still may make sense. Only your doctor or health care professional can tell you if GARDASIL is right for you. But, if you’re already sexually active, you may still benefit from GARDASIL. That’s because even if you have been exposed to HPV, you may not have been exposed to the types of the virus covered by GARDASIL. GARDASIL could still help protect you against the relevant HPV types to which you haven’t been exposed.
For more information on GARDASIL, talk to your doctor or health care professional.

Do women who get vaccinated still need to get Pap tests?

Yes. Vaccination with GARDASIL does not take the place of Pap testsPap testA Pap test, also known as a Pap smear, is part of the gynecological exam and helps detect abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix before they have a chance to become precancers or cervical cancer.
Get More Information
See Full Glossary (cervical cancer screenings). Women should always follow their doctor or health care professional’s advice on getting Pap tests.

Pap tests have been proven to help save lives. A Pap test looks for abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix before they have the chance to become precancers or cervical cancer.

And since GARDASIL does not protect against all types of HPV, Pap tests will still be an important part of taking control of your health—and taking care of yourself.

For more information on GARDASIL, talk to your doctor or health care professional.

* you may have heard: GARDASIL is only for girls and young women ages 9 to 26.
* but did you know: GARDASIL was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in boys and young men ages 9 to 26 to help protect against 90% of genital warts cases. Read more

magneticimpulse

Butterflylove wrote: »

Also an earlier poster mentioned Jade Goody, she had the cells and did not kept up with her regural check ups the vacine would have done her no good.

I think it was more the stigma that Cervical cancer was found in older women!! not younger women. In the UK at 22 I was going for yearly Pap tests. In France they also ask that I take yearly tests.

However my mam has just contacted me to say that I have a letter back home in Dublin saying I should go for my "1st Smear test" at 29!!!! I could have been dead by now, only for I was in the UK NHS system young enough to start smear tests when I was 22.

I think her death was still a good remainder how important it is to go for check ups.

As for the vaccine they only state its 70% effective even when taken as a virgin towards preventing cervical cancer. But every little helps. The more people who take the vaccine the better for society.

Bottle_of_Smoke

Bottle_of_Smoke wrote: »

If you have the moderate pre-cancerous cells you must have caught the HPV strain from one of your partners. So the jab wouldn't have done you any good.

The entire point is, I almost definitely got this high risk strain from my current boyfriend. Had several normal smears before I was with him and they've been getting more and more abnormal ever since we got together. But the NHS only seem interested in their facts and figures and what suits the 'majority' of people. My doctor didn't even seem to believe I'd only had one partner at that age. It's pretty damn annoying to think I'll probably now need surgery (and with that comes increased risk of pregnancy issues etc) when a vaccine might well have been effective.

magneticimpulse wrote:

Are you willing to put a price on your life? Look at Jade Goody, she was only 27 after she died. After that I went to my GP and demanded I get the vaccine. I was willing to pay, and I will always have to go for Smear tests throughout my life (everyone does) and I have done so each year since I was 22. Anyway anything that can reduce complications regarding health is life is always a benefit. Sure you could spend 200 euro on a pair of Boots or jacket...why would anyone not take as much care with their health?? Even if the chances of it being 100% effective....40%, 60 or even 80% more effective at reducing you risks is better then 0%

It wasn't a money thing, I was told that there was just no point as it wouldn't be effective, and that the vaccine had side effects, and I'd be better off continuing with regular smears. I was told this by a number of doctors. I find it a bit offensive that you're implying that I'm too scabby to get the vaccine. I already spend almost all of my money on my health (only wish I had 200 quid to spend on a jacket :rolleyes:), so I saw no logic in shelling out hundreds of euro for something I was explicitly advised not to get, when I needed other essential scans and medication.I really thought I was doing the right thing, based on the advice I was given by professionals. I am feeling like I got screwed over, but I'm hoping it will still work out for the best, and I hope it works out for everyone here as well, whatever they end up doing. At least we all have access to cervical smears - I have friends from Africa and Latin America who had never heard of them and had no idea what they were. :eek:

LegacyUser

Butterflylove wrote: »

the reason they are doing it in the schools is because it is most effective before puberty

every women has the cells and the precancerous/abnormal cells are activated through unprotected intercourse

I currently have the precancerous cells and am due to have them removed it is a quick and while uncomfortable procedure its pretty painless have been told its simlar to a biospy,

If you have the injections now they may have no real affect considering your age and the fact you have already had intercourse

regural smears and protection would probably be more effective,

Also an earlier poster mentioned Jade Goody, she had the cells and did not kept up with her regural check ups the vacine would have done her no good.

op here, well I'm 21 and only ever had sex once. About 6 months ago if that has any effects.

magneticimpulse

Emberly High Racehorse wrote: »

The entire point is, I almost definitely got this high risk strain from my current boyfriend. Had several normal smears before I was with him and they've been getting more and more abnormal ever since we got together. But the NHS only seem interested in their facts and figures and what suits the 'majority' of people. My doctor didn't even seem to believe I'd only had one partner at that age. It's pretty damn annoying to think I'll probably now need surgery (and with that comes increased risk of pregnancy issues etc) when a vaccine might well have been effective.



It wasn't a money thing, I was told that there was just no point as it wouldn't be effective, and that the vaccine had side effects, and I'd be better off continuing with regular smears. I was told this by a number of doctors. I find it a bit offensive that you're implying that I'm too scabby to get the vaccine. I already spend almost all of my money on my health (only wish I had 200 quid to spend on a jacket :rolleyes:), so I saw no logic in shelling out hundreds of euro for something I was explicitly advised not to get, when I needed other essential scans and medication.I really thought I was doing the right thing, based on the advice I was given by professionals. I am feeling like I got screwed over, but I'm hoping it will still work out for the best, and I hope it works out for everyone here as well, whatever they end up doing. At least we all have access to cervical smears - I have friends from Africa and Latin America who had never heard of them and had no idea what they were. :eek:

I wasnt saying to you directly that you were scabby. No I didnt have access to the vaccine. I was 28 and had done research into the vaccine before i went to the Doctor. I knew it was seen as effective in 26 year olds and i was 2 years older!!! I thought whats the difference?? I prob have had less sexual partners then a 16 year old lets say for arguement!!

Honestly I told the Doctor i was a virgin and they gave it to me (im not a virgin). I dont think they would have given it to me if I wasnt too be honest. But in my mind I didnt see the difference between a 26 year old and a 28 year old? I was paying for it and it wasnt going to kill me. Ive not had any side effects from it. Im not advising other people to do that, thats what I did!! I was determined to get this vaccine and it has been through medical trials and i knew of any potential hazards and told the GP i was a virgin. At the time the website said it was effective in women until 48 years old, however looking at the website today i see the studies of 27 - 48 year olds have been removed. But like that, i might have have the virus,or i might not. But i wasnt prepared to gamble.

As for Smear tests...you have to go for them anyway, with or without the vaccine!!!

magneticimpulse

kindaworried wrote: »

op here, well I'm 21 and only ever had sex once. About 6 months ago if that has any effects.

like i said before it IS approved by the FDA to be PROVEN to benefit 9 -26 year olds!! Its up to you to take it further with your GP!! Please read the Gardasil Website to find out about the vaccine.

Butterflylove

kindaworried wrote: »

op here, well I'm 21 and only ever had sex once. About 6 months ago if that has any effects.

The person who would be best to ask about the injections would be your GP, I have been speaking with my own GP about it as I have the bad cells,

Not everyone has the bad cells so dont worry unnecessary!
The reason it is only highlighted with older women as it takes years for the cells to progress into cancer.

You should consider getting yourself smear check ups once a year, although considering you are only 21 it will cost you 100e to get it done alot less then the injections which wont necessary protect you 100%,

@Magneticimpulse the reason you only got your first smear at 29 is because its free younger then 25 you have to go through your GP and pay for it.

Butterflylove

Butterflylove wrote: »

The person who would be best to ask about the injections would be your GP, I have been speaking with my own GP about it as I have the bad cells,

Not everyone has the bad cells so dont worry unnecessary!
The reason it is only highlighted with older women as it takes years for the cells to progress into cancer.

It's not really about having 'bad cells', it's about having high risk HPV. A lot of doctors reckon that anyone who is sexually active has a very good chance of already having been exposed to high risk HPV, so the vaccine isn't very effective at all. As there are various strains of it, I don't really buy that reasoning, but I'm not a doctor. The thing is, most people carry high risk HPV and never develop any symptoms of it. People who develop cervical lesions are just unlucky. It's estimated that well over 80% of people have HPV at one time or another , but only 10% of smears come back abnormal, and only a tiny percentage of smears are more than slightly abnormal. Most women manage to rid themselves of the virus naturally, without it causing harm. Once you've been exposed to a strain or strains of the virus, the vaccine can't stop the precancerous cells developing. Hence a lot of doctors' reasoning that once you've been exposed, it's best just to get regular smears done, to detect any changes.

The problem was that until very recently, there was no test for HPV, so doctors just assumed that any sexually active woman had been exposed. Now, you can get the test done in some places. That's what I would do. If it comes back negative, then you're a very good candidate for the vaccine. Note that I don't think this test is widely available in Ireland, but I know for sure they do it in London.