Oral sex with multiple partners is known to increase the risk of getting human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV has also been linked to the development of mouth and throat cancer.
A new research says that men are more at risk to develop these cancers linked to HPV compared to women, Medical Xpress reports. HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. "It has been known to cause two out of three oral cancers in the U.S.," Johns Hopkins University epidemiology professor Gypsyamber D'Souza said.
Although HPV infection is very common, most people are able to eliminate the virus in a few years. However, some people are not able to clear the virus which results into cellular damages in the mouth or throat. These cellular damages eventually lead to cancer.
The research also finds that among different races, middle-aged white men have the highest risk of developing oral and throat cancers linked to HPV. However, more teens are getting engaged in oral sex activities nowadays compared to the older generations.
"Our research shows that for men, the number of oral sex partners as that number increases, the risk of an oral HPV infection increases," D'Souza told reporters. For women, the number of sexual partners does not seem to increase the risk for oral and throat cancers because women are first exposed to HPV through their vagina, which helps develop a stronger immune response to the infection.
There are different ways to prevent oral and throat cancers. Avoiding smoking, drinking alcohol in moderation, using sunscreen when going outdoors, making sure that dentures are clean and not ill-fitting, and taking vitamin A supplements are some of the best ways to lessen the risk of oral and throat cancers, as reported by MD Anderson. Implementing safe and responsible sexual behaviors and practices can also lower the risks of HPV infection through oral sex.
