The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) has become one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in existence.
It can be transmitted by skin-to-skin or mucosal contact with an infected person, both to the genital area and to the oral cavity and throat (oropharyngeal cavity). Next, we explain the ways HPV is transmitted in the throat.
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Ways of HPV transmission in the throat
HPV is transmitted in the throat primarily through oral sex with a person carrying the virus. There is also a small chance it can be transmitted through a kiss if there is a lesion in the oropharyngeal cavity that allows the virus to enter.
Oral sex is very common among sexually active people, regardless of their sexual preferences.
Performing oral sex on a partner who has a genital HPV infection is one of the ways the virus can be transmitted to the throat, especially when done to a penis with genital warts.
HPV can also be transmitted in the throat by performing oral sex on a woman or man with HPV in the anus or rectum.
An important point to keep in mind is that if you receive unprotected oral sex from a person who carries HPV in the throat, it is most likely that you will contract the virus in the genital area.
Although HPV in the throat is highly contagious, most cases can be asymptomatic and clear up naturally after going through their incubation period.
If the throat HPV infection is by a high-risk strain, it can trigger oropharyngeal cancer.
If you have problems swallowing, a sore throat lasting more than 2 to 3 weeks, hoarseness for more than 4 weeks, as well as white or red lesions on the tonsils, it is important to see a doctor as these may be symptoms of oropharyngeal cancer caused by HPV.
How do you know if you have HPV in your throat? Symptoms
Typically, HPV in the throat doesn’t produce symptoms. But if there were symptoms, they would manifest as warts on the tongue, lips, or throat, or with discomfort in the throat.
Measures to prevent HPV transmission in the throat
Many people mistakenly believe that by practicing oral sex, they run less risk of contracting HPV, which is not the case. Frequent and unprotected exposures increase the likelihood of transmission.
Although HPV in the throat is a highly contagious sexually transmitted disease, you can take steps to reduce your risk of infection:
- It’s important to use protection methods (oral barriers) whenever you have oral sex.
- Another way to reduce the risk of contracting or transmitting HPV is to avoid high-risk sexual relationships or known open relationships.
- Ask your doctor about the possibility of getting the HPV vaccine. It will help protect you against different types of the virus.
These were some tips to help you know how to deal with HPV. However, there is much more you need to do if you really want to get rid of HPV and warts forever.
What you need to do is GET RID OF THE ROOT of the problem.
For that reason, I recommend you to look into Dr. Kirkland's story and how he was able to cure HPV and get rid of warts for good.
I wish you great success in your recovery!
Frequently asked questions
Is HPV in the throat curable?
The most likely scenario is that your immune system will get rid of the HPV virus in your throat within a period of 2 years. However, you can also accelerate that timeline by starting to eat healthier to boost your immune system.
How long does HPV turn into throat cancer?
It’s not known for certain how long it takes for HPV in the throat to turn into cancer. But there have been cases where people have carried the virus in their throat for 15 years before it turned into cancer.
Is HPV in the throat rare?
According to a recent study, 7% of Americans have oral HPV. Therefore, we could say that it’s not very common to develop HPV in the throat.
Are most throat cancers HPV?
Yes, most throat cancers are related to HPV. Nearly 70% of this type of cancer originates from HPV in the throat.
Sources:
- https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/hpv/basic_info/hpv_oropharyngeal.htm
- https://www.mountsinai.org/locations/head-neck-institute/cancer/oral/hpv-faqs
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15010-oropharyngeal-human-papilloma-virus-hpv-infection
Medically reviewed by Dr. Amy Wilson. Dr. Amy Wilson, born in the United States, obtained her medical degree from Lincoln University School of Medicine. Specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, she’s dedicated 15 years to women’s health, becoming a distinguished gynecologist and serving in various U.S. medical institutions.