Throat Issues: Concerns After Oral Sex and Cancer Risks - Otolaryngology

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Throat issues


Hello doctor, I would like to ask some questions.
In the afternoon, I performed oral sex on my boyfriend (who is a virgin) for the first time without a condom.
I gave him oral stimulation for a while, and he seemed to ejaculate in my mouth, but I spit most of it out.
Recently, we have been kissing a lot, and around 7:30 PM, I started to feel a bit of pain on the left side of my throat.
It’s not a sharp pain, more like the early stages of a cold, not very painful.
After that, I felt a sensation of something being stuck in my throat, but it’s not very noticeable.
I just looked it up online and found that oral sex can significantly increase the risk of throat cancer.
I have a severe fear of cancer and am very worried that I might have it.
However, I received the HPV vaccine at school, and I’m not sure if it’s effective.
I also had a cold recently, but I didn’t finish the medication because I was lazy, and I often breathe through my mouth due to nasal congestion.
A doctor previously mentioned that I have mild thyroid enlargement, and I wonder if that could also be a factor.
Here are a few questions I would like to ask: 1.
Is it possible to develop cancer from oral sex that happened this afternoon? 2.
Is this a sign of cancer, or could it just be a common cold or another illness? 3.
How can I determine if I have cancer? 4.
Does kissing (lips to lips) also increase the risk of cancer? 5.
Could it just be a cold that has not fully resolved and has recurred? Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.

Lèi yú, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/02/01

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology


Hello: Cancer is usually the result of long-term and multifactorial influences.
Oral or oropharyngeal cancer commonly presents with ulcers or persistent pain that lasts for more than two weeks.
Generally, kissing on the lips is not significantly related to cancer.
If symptoms do not improve or if there are concerns, it is advisable to visit a clinic for examination.
Wishing you peace and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2019/02/01

More Info


When it comes to concerns about oral sex and the potential risks associated with it, particularly regarding throat issues and cancer, it's important to approach the topic with a clear understanding of the facts and the context of your situation.

1. Risk of Cancer from Recent Oral Sex: Engaging in oral sex does not immediately increase your risk of throat cancer. Cancer typically develops over a long period, often due to persistent exposure to risk factors such as human papillomavirus (HPV). While HPV is known to be a significant risk factor for oropharyngeal cancers, the likelihood of developing cancer from a single encounter is extremely low. The HPV vaccine you received may provide some protection against certain strains of the virus, including those that are most commonly associated with cancer.

2. Symptoms and Their Interpretation: The sore throat and sensation of something being stuck in your throat could be due to a variety of reasons, including a common cold, allergies, or even irritation from oral sex. It's not uncommon for individuals to experience throat discomfort after engaging in oral sex, especially if there was vigorous activity or if you have a tendency to breathe through your mouth due to nasal congestion. If your symptoms persist or worsen, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation.

3. Determining Cancer Presence: The signs of throat cancer can include persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, and changes in voice. However, these symptoms can also be indicative of many other, less serious conditions. If you are concerned about cancer, the best course of action is to see a healthcare provider who can perform a thorough examination and, if necessary, recommend further testing.

4. Kissing and Cancer Risk: Kissing, particularly if both partners are healthy and free from infections, does not significantly increase the risk of cancer. While HPV can be transmitted through intimate contact, the risk of developing cancer from casual kissing is minimal compared to other risk factors, such as smoking or heavy alcohol use.

5. Recurrence of Cold Symptoms: If you had a cold that was not fully resolved, it is possible for symptoms to return or persist. Chronic nasal congestion can lead to mouth breathing, which may irritate your throat. If you suspect that your symptoms are related to a lingering cold or allergies, addressing those underlying issues may alleviate your throat discomfort.

In summary, while there are risks associated with oral sex, the immediate concern regarding throat cancer from a single encounter is low. Your symptoms are more likely related to a common illness or irritation rather than cancer. If your symptoms persist or if you have ongoing concerns about HPV or throat cancer, seeking medical advice is crucial. Regular check-ups and open communication with your healthcare provider can help manage your health and alleviate your fears.

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