[Question #12622] HPV - Protected Oral Sex

6 months ago

Hi Dr,

What is the likelihood of acquiring HPV from protected oral sex? I don't believe I'm vaccination and have already reached out to my PCP to inquire more info if it's right for me. 30 y/o man.

This question stems from situation of previous post #12535.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

6 months ago

Welcome back to the Forum. On this occasion I happened to pick up your question. In preparing to reply, I reviewed your recent interaction with Dr. Handsfield and agree with all that he said. As far as your risk of acquiring HPV from receipt of condom protected oral sex, the risk approaches zero. Most people do not have oral HPV and most single exposures do not transmit infection when they do. Your use of a condom reduces your risk much further.

Regarding overall risk for HPV, since you are not vaccinated and likely have had prior partners, you may well have or have had asymptomatic HPV already. Most unvaccinated persons are infected by the time they have had 3 or more partners. The vaccine however would reduce your risk for further infection due to strains you do not have and thus may be beneficial. In men most HPV infections are self-limited, resolving without therapy over 1-2 years after infection without consequences. There is the potential however for you to transmit infection if you acquire it.

I hope this information is helpful. EWH

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6 months ago

Thanks for the quick reply Doctor.

Am I worrying too much for something that sounds to be an unlikely event for transmission of HPV? Is "highly unlikely" appropriate to say? And finally would I be putting my wife at risk if we have unprotected sex per this event?

Edward W. Hook M.D.

6 months ago

Yes, I would classify the encounter you described as putting you at virtually no risk for acquisition of HPV. Having unprotected sex with your wife would not put her at risk. EWH.---

6 months ago

Thanks Dr. I've reviewed other posts on this forum regarding oral HPV and I've tried sticking to the most recent posts since i understand medical advice can change per new information found in the STI world. From much older posts I've seen that HPV is rarely/uncommonly transmitted via oral sex (oral to penis). Is that still the thought from experts such as yourself and Dr. HHH? A constant theme I see is oral sex is safe sex and with condom the risk is virtually zero for any and all STIs. Does any and all STIs include HPV or is there a distinction made with HPV? My education on sex/infections was not great in school so I've come to learn a lot from this forum.

Thanks for all your help, i appreciate the service you and your team provides.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

6 months ago

I think you are getting a bit into the weeds here. Oral HPV is far less common than genital HPV. This is the fact for several reasons, including that some strains of HPV do not appear to as readily infect the oral cavity as they do genital sites. The major genital HPV of concern for oral infections is HPV 16, which has been associated with oral cancer. The majority of oral HPV infections however, like HPV at other sites are self limited and typically resolve overtime.

HPV appears to be less efficiently transmitted through oral sex and genital contact. Condoms reduce HPV transmission as well although the reduction in transmission rates for condoms and HPV is somewhat less than for other STI such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, etc. with oral sex condom used throughout transforms the low risk nature of such exposures and do virtually no risk exposure.

I think that this answers your questions. It completes this thread, which will now be closed. If HPV is a major concern for you ( not that I think it should be) my advice is to get vaccinated. Take care. EWH

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6 months ago

Thanks Dr. I have gotten my first HPV vaccine (1 of 3) as you recommended. Would the vaccine done on Tuesday have an effect on HIV or syphilis blood test I plan to take on Friday (3 days post vaccine)? This is my last question thank you.

6 months ago

Correction, vaccine was received Monday, February 10. plan to do testing February 14.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

6 months ago

The HPV vaccine will have no effect on the reliability of any tests for STIs including tests for syphilis or HIV.

There should be no need to return. EWH

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