Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Love Oral Sex But Wonder Are You At Risk For Throat or Mouth Cancer?

By Jennifer Elizabeth Masters

There is no doubt that most women love receiving oral sex. I know I do. It is the fastest way for most women to reach an orgasm without breaking a sweat! What's not to like? 


Human papillomavirus (HPV) is on the rise. Throat cancers have more than quadrupled over the last ten years as well.  HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD). According to the Centers for Disease Control, 90% of the population has been infected with HPV. Most people's natural immune system clears up the infection within eighteen months. Some, however, turns into cancer.


Throat Cancer Caused By Oral Sex

Throat cancer is usually not detected until a lump is found on the neck. Men usually find it while shaving. By the time a lump is found, the lymph nodes are usually cancerous.

HPV does not mean that you are promiscuous. It also doesn't mean your partner has been cheating on you. Most people who are sexually active get HPV at some point in their lives. I had it when I was in my late thirties. 

Within weeks of my diagnosis, I returned for a recheck and found the HPV had thankfully cleared up by itself. Before being cleared of the infection, my gynecologist recommended cryosurgery, which I declined. I chose to allow my body to heal it naturally. 

Cryosurgery involves a freezing of the cervix with liquid nitrogen, although sometimes carbon dioxide and argon are also used. The extreme cold temperatures of -346º F to -320º F kill whatever comes in contact with it.

Famous People In The News

You may remember that actor Michael Douglas was treated for stage 4 throat cancer. He announced publicly that it was from oral sex with someone that had HPV. Douglas was playing Liberace at the time in the movie Behind The Candelabra.  HPV is responsible for half of the oral cancers according to the CDC. 

Signs Of HPV

Most people have no symptoms at all. Genital warts, anal and penile lesions can form. Read more about STDs here

Increased Risk of HPV

The following have been known, to cause an increased risk of getting HPV.

  • smoking or chewing tobacco
  • long-term contraceptive use (birth control pills)
  • having three or more children
  • compromised immune system
  • chronic inflammation
  • poor oral hygiene
How Can You Prevent HPV?

  • Use a condom when having sexual contact
  • Abstain from sex until you know someone well
  • Get tested for STDs regularly and always before engaging in unprotected sex with a new partner
  • Be circumcised
  • Get vaccinated (know there are risks involved with vaccination - do your research)

Jennifer Elizabeth Masters is an author love, passion, and sex coach. She works privately and in group sessions with clients. Set up your discovery session for free now! Find out if Jennifer's work is a good fit for you and your partner.

Sign up for Jennifer's From Tainted To True Love Program beginning this Wednesday at 5:30 PM PST! Last Chance! $97.00 for this year.