Oral Warts: Concerns and Questions After Oral Sex

Q: Oral Warts: Concerns and Questions After Oral Sex

Hello： 1) There isn't much that can be done. <br>2) In fact, infections are not that easy to contract, and the other person must have warts for transmission to occur. <br>Don't overthink it; just practice safe sex in the future. <br>If you experience any foreign body sensation, y

Oral warts

Hello Doctor: I have already gone through the Q&A history regarding warts, but since there are relatively few inquiries about oral warts, I rarely see anyone sharing their treatment experiences online (such as on Ptt, Dcard, etc.), with most discussions focusing on genital areas.
This has made me quite anxious, so I decided to post a question for you.
Thank you for your help.
About five days ago, I performed oral sex on a female acquaintance who has a relatively rich sexual history, and her menstrual period was almost over that day.
Two days after the oral sex, I experienced throat inflammation and swelling, and I was worried it might be gonococcal pharyngitis.
However, three days after the inflammation (today), it has improved significantly on its own, so I should only be concerned about the possibility of oral warts, right? Since she did not touch my lower body at all, and I was still wearing pants.
I understand that I have a risk of infection, but I still want to ask you the following questions:
1.
Given that the incubation period is usually three months, my anxiety has severely affected my work and life, making me feel as if I already have warts.
When my colleagues talk to me, I can only think about the treatment I might need to undergo for warts in the future.
So I would like to ask, besides observing my mouth daily for any abnormalities, is there anything else I can do at this stage?
2.
During oral sex, the lighting was dim, and I couldn't see her genital area clearly, but when I touched it, I didn't feel any unusual bumps.
Can I at least reassure myself that the likelihood of infection might not be that high?
3.
Because I suspect I might have warts, I now scrutinize my mouth for any slight differences, questioning whether they are signs of illness.
So I would like to ask you, although the average incubation period is three months, is it possible for lesions to appear as early as within 1-2 weeks?
Thank you, Doctor, for patiently reading this from someone who is very anxious and not sleeping well.

Jiao lü bu an, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/05/15

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: 1) There isn't much that can be done.
2) In fact, infections are not that easy to contract, and the other person must have warts for transmission to occur.
Don't overthink it; just practice safe sex in the future.
If you experience any foreign body sensation, you should seek medical attention.
3) It is possible for symptoms to appear in 1-2 weeks, but they may start off very small and may not be noticeable.
Additionally, some issues may be located deeper and not visible externally.
Some conditions can only be examined by an otolaryngologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2019/05/15

More Info

It's understandable to feel anxious after engaging in sexual activities, especially when there are concerns about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like oral warts, commonly caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Let's address your questions and concerns systematically.

1. Managing Anxiety and Monitoring Symptoms: It's common to feel anxious after potential exposure to STIs. While it's important to monitor your oral health for any unusual changes, it’s equally crucial to manage your anxiety. Consider practicing stress-relief techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or talking to a mental health professional. If you notice any persistent symptoms like lesions, warts, or changes in your oral mucosa, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider. They can perform a thorough examination and provide appropriate testing if necessary.

2. Risk Assessment: The risk of contracting HPV through oral sex exists, but it is generally lower compared to vaginal or anal intercourse. If you did not notice any unusual bumps or lesions on your partner's genital area during the encounter, it may reduce your risk, but it does not eliminate it entirely. HPV can be asymptomatic, meaning that a person can carry and transmit the virus without showing any visible signs. Therefore, while your observations may provide some comfort, they do not guarantee that you are free from infection.

3. Incubation Period and Early Symptoms: The incubation period for HPV can vary significantly. While some strains may show symptoms within a few weeks, others can take months or even years to manifest. The average time for warts to appear is around 3 months, but it is possible for some individuals to notice changes sooner. However, it’s essential to remember that not all HPV infections lead to warts or other noticeable symptoms. If you are experiencing any changes in your mouth, such as lesions or persistent soreness, it’s best to seek medical advice.

In addition to these points, here are some general recommendations:
- Regular Check-ups: If you are sexually active, regular STI screenings are important, even if you do not have symptoms. This is particularly true for HPV, as many people are unaware they are infected.

- Vaccination: If you haven’t already, consider getting the HPV vaccine, which can protect against the most common strains of the virus that cause warts and certain types of cancer.

- Safe Practices: Moving forward, using protection such as dental dams during oral sex can help reduce the risk of transmitting STIs.

- Educate Yourself: Understanding more about STIs, their transmission, and prevention can help alleviate some anxiety. Reliable sources include healthcare providers, sexual health clinics, and reputable health organizations.

In conclusion, while it’s natural to feel concerned after a potential exposure, focusing on your health and seeking professional guidance can help you navigate these feelings. If you notice any concerning symptoms or if your anxiety continues to interfere with your daily life, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for support and advice. Your health and well-being are paramount, and there are resources available to help you through this.

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