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The human papillomavirus (HPV) can spread during oral sex, increasing the risk of throat cancer. Share on PinterestJohn Slater/Getty ImagesHPV can spread during oral sex, increasing the possibility of cancer. In the United States, HPV is the most common sexually transmitted virus. Sexual health presents a range of risks. However, worrying about potential health concerns can decrease intimacy between partners and, ultimately, quality of life. Doctors always advise caution when it comes to protection against sexual health problems. This article will discuss the links between oral sex, HPV, and throat cancer. It will also explain the major risk factors for throat cancer. Fast facts on oral sex and throat cancerOral sex does not directly cause throat cancer, but it can spread HPV.HPV can cause pre-cancerous changes in cells that may lead to throat cancer later on.Smoking and alcohol consumption further increase the risk that an HPV infection will become cancerous.The early stages of oral cancer may cause discolored tissues in the mouth, mouth sores and ulcers that do not heal, and swelling or lumps in the mouth. Is oral sex safe sex Oral sex involves using the mouth to stimulate the genitals or genital area of a partner. This type of sex can spread sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as:gonorrheagenital herpessyphilischlamydiaHPV Prevention A person can reduce their risk of contracting HPV by getting the HPV vaccine. The most common vaccine in the U.S. is Gardasil 9. To reduce the risk of contracting STIs in general, a person can use a condom, dental dam, or other barrier methods every time they have oral sex. This can increase the safety of the act and lower the risk of passing or contracting an STI. Learn about other safe sex practices. HPV and cancer The HPV infection does not directly cause oral cancer. The virus triggers changes in the infected cells. The virus’s genetic material becomes part of cancer cells, causing them to grow. HPV causes 70% of the throat or oropharyngeal cancers in the U.S. These cancers tend to develop in the tonsils or the back of the tongue. A person’s body usually clears most HPV infections within 2 years. People who smoke are less likely to be able to clear an HPV infection because smoking damages immune cells in the skin. These normally help protect against viral damage. HPV types Some low risk types of HPV can cause the growth of warts in the mouth and throat. These growths are often benign. However, they can cause severe airway obstruction and complications. In extremely rare cases, these warts become cancerous. High risk HPV can cause several types of cancer if the immune system does not clear the infection. Risk factors for throat cancer While HPV is not the sole cause of throat cancer, having it increases the risk that throat cancer may develop. Other risk factors include:Smoking: Tobacco smoking is the most important risk factor for all cancers of the head and neck, including throat cancer. Regular, long-term, heavy smokers are more likely to develop a type of throat cancer than non-smokers.Exposure to dangerous substances: Prolonged exposure to the following can also increase the risks:paint fumeswood dust and shavingssome of the chemicals used in the plastic, metal, and textile industries Alcohol: The heavy, ongoing consumption of alcoholic drinks also raises the risk of developing throat cancer. Ethanol is the type of alcohol found in alcoholic drinks. Alcoholic drinks contain different percentages of ethanol. However, in general, a standard-size drink contains the same amount of ethanol of any type. Standard sizes for different types of alcoholic drinks include: 12 ounces (oz) of beer5 oz of wine1.5 oz of liquor Overall, the amount of alcohol someone drinks over time — not the type of alcoholic beverage — seems to be the most important factor in raising cancer risk. Most evidence suggests that it is ethanol that increases the risk, not other things in the drink. People with gastroesophageal reflux disease have a slightly higher risk of getting esophageal cancer. This risk seems to be higher in people who have more frequent symptoms. Symptoms of HPV The symptoms of HPV are often “silent,” and people will usually not know they have the virus. However, the condition may be advancing to an early stage of oral cancer when the following signs start to occur:a mouth sore or ulcer occurs that does not heal within 3 weekssoft tissues of the mouth becoming discoloredpain while swallowing and a feeling as if food sticks in the throatswelling with no pain in the tonsilspain while chewingan ongoing sore throat or croaky voice with a persistent cougha feeling of numbness in the mouth and lipsany swelling or lumps in the mouth, as well as painless lumps on the outside of the necka one-sided earache that persists for more than several days A person should consult a doctor if they notice these symptoms. Outlook While there are links between oral sex and the transmission of oral HPV between throat cancer and oral HPV, researchers have not conclusively linked the virus with the development of oral cancers. Oral sex does, however, increase the risk of HPV transmission. Doctors recommend extra precautions, such as using barrier methods during oral sex. Last medically reviewed on June 29, 2022Cancer / OncologyEar, Nose, and ThroatSexual Health / STDsMedically reviewed by Faith Selchick, DNP, AOCNP, Nursing, Oncology — By Adam Felman — Updated on June 29, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageOral sex STI risk charts: Transmission and preventionMedically reviewed by Meredith Goodwin, MD, FAAFP Oral sex, such as fellatio, cunnilingus, or rimming, can spread sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). 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