Oral Sex and HPV Transmission Risks: Your Questions Answered

Q: Oral Sex and HPV Transmission Risks: Your Questions Answered

Hello： According to the risk levels of sexual behaviors, the no-risk methods include masturbation, hugging, and touching areas other than the genitals; low-risk methods include mutual masturbation, light kissing, mutual rubbing, and sexual intercourse with condoms; moderate-risk

Oral sex and the transmission of genital warts?

Hello, Doctor:
1.
In mid-June of this year, I developed genital warts and underwent electrosurgery.
It has been a month since the procedure, and there has been no recurrence, but I am experiencing a mild fungal infection.
Shortly after the surgery, I performed oral sex on my boyfriend when my mouth had no wounds.
However, I have recently started having sexual intercourse, and aside from oral sex, we used condoms.
My mouth does have a wound now, and my boyfriend also performed oral sex on me.
Is there a risk of transmission in this situation?
2.
I have completed two doses of the HPV vaccine, with the first dose administered in February of this year.
Will the vaccine help my body eliminate the virus on its own, or do I need to undergo viral testing to determine this? I hope you can provide me with answers.
Thank you.

Xiao M, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/07/18

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: According to the risk levels of sexual behaviors, the no-risk methods include masturbation, hugging, and touching areas other than the genitals; low-risk methods include mutual masturbation, light kissing, mutual rubbing, and sexual intercourse with condoms; moderate-risk methods include deep kissing, oral sex, and withdrawal; high-risk methods include unprotected intercourse and oral sex that causes wounds or bleeding.
Oral sex is considered moderate risk.
The HPV vaccine is preventive only and has no therapeutic effect (as stated by the vaccine manufacturer).
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2021/07/18

More Info

Understanding the risks associated with HPV (Human Papillomavirus) transmission through oral sex is crucial, especially for individuals who have been diagnosed with HPV or have engaged in sexual activities that may increase their risk of infection.
1. Transmission Risks through Oral Sex: HPV can indeed be transmitted through oral sex, although the risk varies depending on several factors, including the specific type of HPV involved. Types 16 and 18 are known to be high-risk strains associated with cancers, including oropharyngeal cancer. While your partner may not have visible lesions or symptoms, HPV can still be present and transmissible. If you have oral wounds or sores, this can increase the risk of transmission, as the virus can enter through broken skin or mucous membranes.
2. Potential Health Implications: If HPV is transmitted to your partner through oral sex, it can lead to several health issues. The most concerning are oropharyngeal cancers, which have been increasingly linked to HPV, particularly types 16 and 18. Additionally, while less common, HPV can cause genital warts (often referred to as "cauliflower" lesions) in the oral cavity, which can be distressing and require treatment.
3. HPV Vaccination and Its Efficacy: The HPV vaccine is designed to protect against the most common and high-risk strains of the virus. While it is effective in preventing new infections, it does not eliminate existing HPV infections. Therefore, if you have already been diagnosed with HPV, the vaccine will not clear the virus from your system. However, it can protect you from other strains of HPV that you may not have been exposed to yet.
4. Monitoring and Follow-Up: After undergoing treatment for genital warts, such as electrosurgery, it is essential to monitor for any recurrence of warts or new symptoms. Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider are crucial. If you experience any unusual symptoms, such as new growths or persistent soreness, you should seek medical advice promptly.

5. Testing and Diagnosis: If you are concerned about the presence of HPV or its types, discussing testing options with your healthcare provider is advisable. While there are tests available for HPV, they are primarily used for women (such as Pap smears) to screen for cervical cancer. For men, there is no routine HPV test, but if symptoms arise, a healthcare provider can evaluate and recommend appropriate tests or treatments.

6. Preventive Measures: Using condoms can significantly reduce the risk of HPV transmission, but they do not provide complete protection since HPV can infect areas not covered by a condom. Therefore, vaccination, regular screenings, and open communication with sexual partners about health status are vital components of managing HPV risk.

In summary, while the risk of HPV transmission through oral sex exists, especially with open wounds, the HPV vaccine can provide protection against certain strains. Regular follow-ups and discussions with your healthcare provider are essential for managing your health and addressing any concerns about HPV and its potential implications.

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