HPV Through Oral Sex Could Become 'Leading Cause Of Mouth Cancer', Experts Predict
HPV Through Oral Sex Could Become 'Leading Cause Of Mouth Cancer'
Natasha Hinde— The Huffington Post UK
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View of feet of couple having sex in bed.
Human papilloma virus (HPV) passed through oral sex could soon overtake smoking to become the leading cause of mouth cancer among men and women, health experts claim.
According to the NHS, roughly 6,797 people in the UK were diagnosed with mouth cancer in 2011.
Experts have warned mouth cancer is on the rise and the spread of HPV, as a result of oral sex, could play a huge part in this.
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HPV, which can be contracted through unprotected sexual activity, affects the skin found in areas of the body that are exposed to moisture, such as the mouth, rectum, cervix and throat.
The virus is common and highly contagious, with over three quarters of sexually active women acquiring it at some time in their lives, according to NHS Choices.
As the type of HPV found in the mouth is almost certain to be related to sexual activity, health experts claim it is highly likely that oral sex could cause mouth cancer.
Symptoms of mouth cancer include ulcers that do not heal, persistent discomfort or pain in the mouth, white or red patches in the mouth or throat, difficulty swallowing, a lump in the neck, unexplained weight loss and bad breath.
To prevent the spread of HPV, experts recommend using a condom during oral sex. This provides a protective barrier between the penis and the mouth.
Additionally, a latex square known as a dam can be placed over a woman's genitals to protect against infection.
Dr Helen Webberley, the dedicated GP for Oxford Online Pharmacy, says : "We have known for some time that many genital cancers including vulval, cervical, penile and anal are associated with the wart virus, so it seems a logical conclusion that the same should apply to mouth cancers."
She highly recommends using condoms or oral barriers when engaging in oral sex and adds: "The HPV vaccine programme, which is open to all girls aged 12 to 13 as part of the NHS childhood vaccination programme, should also be embraced and will help to reduce the ongoing prevalence of these cancers."
The most common STI in the UK for a multitude of different of reasons. Chlamydia is unfortunately practically symptomless, meaning you could have it for years and not know. It is also one of the easiest diseases to spread amongst sexual partners, so you might not know you’re spreading it all over town.On occasion Chlamydia can cause a burning sensation when passing urine in both men and women but do not rely on this as a sign. The infection is easily treatable, so it’s best to get yourself checked as a local health clinic as soon as possible. (credit:Jason Hetherington via Getty Images)
Genital Warts(02 of10)
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As the name suggests, this sexually transmitted disease appears as small fleshy growths and bumps on or around your genital or anal area. The warts are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) of which some types can lead to cervical cancer. Don’t worry; genital warts are not this strain. Genital warts cannot be fully cured and the disease can lay dormant, showing itself a year, two years or even longer after you initially contract it. The unsightly warts can be banished with the use of creams and cryotherapy (they freeze them off). (credit:Jupiterimages via Getty Images)
Genital Herpes(03 of10)
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Sadly another infection without a cure and with a massive stigma. Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which is exactly the same virus that causes cold sores. People usually develop symptoms of HSV a few days after coming into contact with the virus. This is when small painful blisters develop which can cause itching, tingling or make it painful to urinate. Once you’ve been infected the virus remains dormant most of the time. If you have herpes be careful, the infection is much more likely to spread when you are having an outbreak so refrain from intercourse when sores and blisters are apparent. (credit:IPGGutenbergUKLtd via Getty Images)
Gonorrhoea(04 of10)
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Gonorrhoea is a bacterial STI easily passed on during sex. Roughly half of women and 10% of men don’t experience symptoms and much like Chlamydia, are often unaware they are infected. If you do experience symptoms, in women they usually present themselves as a burning sensation when urinating, vaginal discharge (which is often a watery yellow or green substance), pain in the lower abdomen during sex or bleeding after sex. Men should look out for a burning sensation when urinating, as well as discharge, and should watch out for tenderness in the testicles. Gonorrhoea can also infect your rectum, throat and even eyes. Luckily this infection is easily rid of through a course of antibiotics but should not be left untreated as it can lead to serious health problems. (credit:dolgachov via Getty Images)
Trichomoniasis(05 of10)
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Trichomoniasis is an STI caused by a small parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. Again it can easily be passed on through sex and unfortunately it’s another infection that can be hard to notice from symptoms alone. Women can get frothy yellow or green discharge and men can also experience the same. Luckily this infection is treatable with a course of antibiotics. (credit:luchschen via Getty Images)
HIV (06 of10)
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HIV is mostly passed on through unprotected sex but it can also be transmitted by coming into contact with infected blood, the most common example of this is by sharing needles to inject drugs. The virus itself attacks and weakens the immune system, causing your body to struggle to fight infections and diseases. There is still unfortunately no cure for HIV but there are treatments that allow most people to live a long and healthy life. AIDS is the final stage of the HIV infection, where your body can no longer try to fight life threatening infections. A simple blood test is used to test for infection. (credit:Adam Petto via Getty Images)
Syphilis(07 of10)
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Syphilis is a bacterial infection that causes painless but very infectious sores on your genitals or around the mouth in its early stage. The sore usually lasts up to 6 weeks before disappearing. Symptoms that follow this can come in the form of rashes, flu like illness or patchy hair loss. The late stage of syphilis normally occurs many years after you initially contract the infection and can cause very serious conditions such as heart problems, blindness and even paralysis. Like HIV, a simple blood test can determine whether you have the condition or not and can be treated with antibiotics. (credit:Tetra Images via Getty Images)
Pubic Lice(08 of10)
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Pubic lice, or crabs as they are more commonly known, are easily passed to others through close genital contact. Much like head lice, they are usually found in hair, be this in your pubic hair or even in your underarm hair. The lice crawl from hair to hair but don’t jump or fly. They can be treated successfully with special creams or shampoos available over counter so you don’t need to go get the razor out. (credit:Dimitri Otis via Getty Images)
Hepatitis C(09 of10)
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Hepatitis C is a virus that can cause serious and potentially life-threatening damage to your liver. It is most commonly transmitted through the sharing of needles when injecting drugs or steroids, however it can also be spread during unprotected sex. The risk of the disease spread this way is increased if there are genital sores or ulcers from another sexually transmitted infection or if either person has contracted HIV. Hepatitis C is often treated successfully by taking a combination of medicines for several months. (credit:Wavebreakmedia Ltd via Getty Images)
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease(10 of10)
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Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is caused by an infection developed in the female upper genital tract. In the majority of cases, the condition is caused by a bacterial infection spread from the vagina all the way into the womb, fallopian tubes and ovaries. Although not technically an STI itself, it can be a bi-product of untreated STIS. It is estimated that one in 10 women with untreated Chlamydia will develop PID within a year. The disease can be treated easily and effectively with antibiotics if it’s caught early enough, however if the condition is left untreated it can lead to more serious complications. (credit:Piotr Marcinski via Getty Images)