Vaccinations for STI prevention (e.g., HPV, hepatitis B)

Can HPV or hepatitis B vaccines mess up my period?

Some people notice a slightly earlier, later, heavier, or lighter period after vaccines—including HPV and hepatitis B. That doesn’t mean permanent damage. Your immune system and hormones are in constant conversation; when your immune system gets activated (by a vaccine, illness, or intense stress), your menstrual cycle can shift a bit.Most changes are short‑term—one or two weird cycles, then back to your baseline. There’s no evidence these vaccines harm fertility, “drain your eggs,” or permanently disrupt hormones.If you have extremely heavy bleeding (soaking a pad/tampon every hour for several hours), severe pelvic pain, or your period disappears for months and you’re not on a method that usually stops it, that’s worth a medical check.If you’re trying to figure out whether what you’re seeing is “normal weird” or “actually concerning,” you can always walk through your cycle in detail with Gush.

Do I need STI testing before getting the HPV or hepatitis B vaccine?

No. You do not need an STI panel, Pap smear, or any kind of “clearance” before getting HPV or hepatitis B vaccines. These shots are **preventive**, not a prize for testing negative.For HPV, there’s no routine blood test to check if you’ve already had it, and prior infection doesn’t disqualify you—because the vaccine still protects against strains you haven’t met yet. For hepatitis B, some higher‑risk adults (like healthcare workers) may get a blood test to check immunity, but for most people, clinicians just vaccinate.That said, if you’re sexually active and haven’t had recent STI screening for things like chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, or syphilis, it’s smart to get that too—but it’s a **separate** decision, not a prerequisite.

Can I get the HPV vaccine if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

For **pregnancy**: HPV vaccine is **not recommended** during pregnancy—not because it’s been shown to cause harm, but because there isn’t enough targeted data and we try to keep pregnancy medication lists short. If you got a dose and then realized you were pregnant, the usual move is: don’t panic, just delay remaining doses until after you give birth.For **breastfeeding/chestfeeding**: The HPV vaccine *is* considered safe. You can generally continue or start the HPV series while breastfeeding.Hepatitis B vaccine is safe in both pregnancy and breastfeeding and is actually recommended if you’re not already immune, because hep B infection in pregnancy is a bigger risk than the shot.Always tell your clinician if you might be pregnant so they can time doses in a way that protects both you and the future you.

How long do HPV and hepatitis B vaccines protect you?

Current data show that both HPV and hepatitis B vaccines provide **long‑lasting, likely lifelong** protection for most people.- For **HPV**, studies over 10–15+ years show strong, durable immunity with no sign that boosters are needed so far.- For **hepatitis B**, protection has been documented for at least 30+ years in many people vaccinated as kids—and even when antibody levels drop, immune “memory” cells can kick back in and protect you.Right now, there are **no routine booster recommendations** for either vaccine in the general population. Certain high‑risk groups (like some healthcare workers or immunocompromised people) may get antibody testing or extra doses, but that’s the exception.If you’re not sure whether you’re still protected or ever got the series at all, that’s the exact kind of question you can unpack step‑by‑step with Gush.

Is it worth getting the HPV vaccine if I’m in a long-term monogamous relationship?

A lot of people in long-term relationships get told they “don’t need” the HPV vaccine. Reality check: life is messy. Relationships change, people aren’t always as monogamous as they claim, and you still deserve protection for your future self—even if you stay with the same partner forever.If neither of you had the vaccine before you got together, both of you bring your whole sexual history into the relationship. You may have HPV strains you haven’t passed to each other yet, and the vaccine can still reduce risk.It’s especially worth it if you’re under 26, but even up to 45, many clinicians will consider it if there’s any chance of future new partners. This isn’t about distrust; it’s about putting your body’s safety in your own hands.If you’re staring at your history, your partner, and your risk and still feel unsure, let Gush help you untangle what “worth it” looks like for *you*.If you want to ask more questions, unpack weird patterns, or just sanity‑check whether what your body’s doing is actually normal, you can always head over to Gush and talk it out with someone who won’t flinch at the messy details.