Concerns About HPV Vaccine and Safe Sex After First Dose

Q: Concerns About HPV Vaccine and Safe Sex After First Dose

Hello, the questioner： It is possible to engage in sexual activity during the period of receiving the cervical cancer vaccine. <br>However, maintaining a monogamous relationship and practicing safe precautions also provide benefits in preventing sexually transmitted infections an

After receiving the first dose of the cervical cancer vaccine, sexual activity..?

I have never had sexual intercourse before, but after receiving the first dose of the cervical cancer vaccine at the hospital last week, I want to engage in sexual activity with my boyfriend.
He has only had one previous girlfriend, who is from mainland China, and they have not had sexual intercourse for 15 months.
They always used condoms during their sexual encounters.
From the appearance of my boyfriend's genitalia, there are no visible signs of any sexually transmitted infections.
I also took him for an anonymous HIV test, which came back negative.
I am very concerned about the potential impact on the effectiveness of the cervical cancer vaccine.
Recently, I also want to take my boyfriend for an HPV test.
Am I overreacting? If we use condoms, can we have sex without needing to undergo those tests? I heard that there is a test where they use a brush to check for HPV on the male's glans, and I wonder if that would be painful.
Can all urologists perform this test? What are the professional methods available? I am unsure how to communicate this with the doctor.
Thank you for patiently reading and answering all my questions.

Yay a, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2013/10/10

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the questioner: It is possible to engage in sexual activity during the period of receiving the cervical cancer vaccine.
However, maintaining a monogamous relationship and practicing safe precautions also provide benefits in preventing sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies.
Routine screenings such as Pap smears or HPV testing serve as early detection methods and an additional layer of protection, and the procedures are quite simple and not uncomfortable.
If you still have concerns, it is advisable to discuss them with your physician.
Thank you! Wishing you safety and health, Dr.
Chang.

Reply Date: 2013/10/10

More Info

It's great that you're taking proactive steps regarding your sexual health and the HPV vaccine. Let's address your concerns about the HPV vaccine, safe sex practices, and the necessity of testing.

Firstly, it's important to understand that the HPV vaccine, particularly the nine-valent vaccine (Gardasil 9), is designed to protect against several strains of the human papillomavirus that are associated with cervical cancer and genital warts. After receiving the first dose, some level of immune response begins to develop, but full protection is not achieved until the complete vaccination series is completed. This typically involves three doses over a six-month period. Therefore, while you may have some initial protection after the first dose, it is not sufficient to rely on it completely until you have received all doses.

Regarding your concerns about engaging in sexual activity after the first dose, using condoms is a very effective way to reduce the risk of transmitting sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HPV. However, it's crucial to note that condoms do not provide 100% protection against HPV, as the virus can be present on areas not covered by the condom. That said, if both you and your boyfriend are practicing safe sex and he has no visible signs of infection, the risk of transmission is significantly lower.

As for your boyfriend's previous sexual history and the fact that he has been tested for HIV with negative results, this is reassuring. However, it’s understandable that you might want to take additional precautions. Testing for HPV in men is less straightforward than in women. Currently, there is no approved HPV test for men, and the methods for detecting HPV in males are still being researched. The test you mentioned, which involves scraping the skin of the penis to check for HPV, is not commonly performed and can be uncomfortable. Most urologists or sexual health clinics can provide information on HPV and discuss any concerns you may have.

If you are considering having your boyfriend tested for HPV, it's important to have an open conversation with him about your concerns. You can consult a healthcare provider who specializes in sexual health for guidance on the best approach to testing and prevention. They can also provide you with information on how to communicate these concerns effectively.

In summary, while it is good to be cautious and informed, it sounds like you are taking appropriate steps by getting vaccinated and using condoms. If you and your boyfriend are both healthy and practicing safe sex, you may not need to worry excessively about HPV transmission at this stage. However, completing the vaccination series and maintaining open communication with your partner about sexual health is crucial. If you have further concerns or questions, consider discussing them with a healthcare provider who can offer personalized advice based on your specific situation.

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