Why is it that the HPV vaccine is more effective before a female is sexually active?

Question

I've been told that the HPV vaccine is more effective before the female becomes sexually active. What's the reason behind this?

Answer 1

'Cus if you get the virus from sexual activity, then the vaccine isn't of much use.

Answer 2

There are soo many types of HPV its crazy. The types that the vaccine is for are to prevent cervical cancer. But, little do many women know and younger girls, that you can have hpv and not even know it. Your immune system can just get rid of it. It's a virus so it will always stay in you yes, but instead of showing symptoms your immune system fights it off. I think I read somewhere that 70 percent or so women will have hpv in their lifetime. Its actually high, and there isn't a test for guys to test for hpv so its good to get the girls prevented of it. Its also good for girls to get it before they're sexually active because having sex their first time with someone it can happen right then.

Answer 3

Because that is the way of all vaccines. It is to prevent not cure. If you already get the disease, it doesn't matter because you already have a "marker" in your blood stream that shows that you have had it.
It's the same with measles. You can get vaccinated to prevent it, but if you have allready had measles, then you won't get it again, but it might turn into something else, like shingles.
It just so happens HPV may cause you to get cancer.

Answer 4

If you haven't been exposed to a the sexually transmitted HPV, then the vaccine could prevent your from getting it.

If you already are sexually active, you could already have been exposed to HPV.

It's like taking birth control pills AFTER you get pregnant, makes no sense. You have to take the pills BEFORE you have sex, you have to have the SERIES of shots before you have sex.

HPV vaccine is not one shot, it is a series of injections.

Answer 5

It's a prevention,not a cure.