[Question #10031] High risk HPV non 16/18 transmission

26 months ago

Good evening!

I have a bit of an odd question. I'm a 23 yo female and I have a high risk hpv diagnosis cervical. I do not know if I have an oral infection as I have had this for several years. I have never had any lesions or warts in my mouth.

However I wanted to ask how common would it be to inoculate myself. Ie. After touching my genitals touching my mouth.

And how likely would it be for me to spread it to a males genitals via oral sex if I do have an oral infection.

Thank you for any advice.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

26 months ago

Welcome to the Forum. Thanks for your questions. I'll be glad to comment although I'm afraid there is not a lot known about the risk of transmission of oral HPV through oral sex. We do know that oral HPV infections are less common than genital infections, that like genital HPV infections, most oral infections recede without therapy and do not progress to cancer. There are not good data on how to screen for oral infections or who should be screened. AT the same time, unless you develop oral lesions (your dentist probably checks for them when she/he examines you). Auto inoculation of HPV from one site on your own body to anther, like transfer of HPV infection to others with your hands appears to be uncommon.

Sorry I don't have better answers but this is an area of ongoing research which is difficult to do because oral HPV ir relatively uncommon. At this time, my advice is not to worry.

In an addition, I wonder if you had had the HPV vaccine? The reason I ask is that the vaccine is highly effective against acquisition of new infections an may help existing lesions to resolve. EWH

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26 months ago

Doctor thank you so much for your quick reply. To answer your question yes I had all of my vaccinations with Gardasil.

I did have one follow up question. IS it likely for me and my partner to be passing the infection back and forth through different modes of sex?

Edward W. Hook M.D.

26 months ago

If you have HPV it is likely that a regular partner would too unless he has been vaccinated and is resistant or, alternatively, as already had the infection and it has resolved. "ping-pong" HPV infections do not seem to be much of a problem.

I'm surprised you acquired HPV after vaccination. Even so, the vaccination may help your infection to resolve. EWH

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26 months ago

One last follow up question, let's say I do have an oral infection even though I do not know for sure, how likely is it to spread to a males penis through oral sex during a brief encounter?

Edward W. Hook M.D.

26 months ago

As I tried to indicate above, there are few data on this subject but, if you happened to have oral HPV, the chance that you would transmit it through oral sex is low. It is certainly not something to worry about. both because of the inefficiency of transmission and because for most people, and men in particular, penile HPV is no a major health concern.

I hope that the information I have provided has been helpful. Take care. Please don't worry. this completes this thread. EWH

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