I heard today about a nurse who liked oral sex and “ recreational “ drugs ( ORAL HIGH JEAN ) .



• Michael Douglas probably expected that blaming oral sex for his cancer might not have had a completely sympathetic response. But, aside from the predictable jokes, he’s raised awareness of oral sex being one risk factor for this uncommon cancer, and one reason for the cancer being twice as common in men as women.



• It’s unrealistic to expect oral sex will always be “ protected “ ( using a condom on a man, or a “ rubber dam “ on a woman ). The only guarantee of not sexually transmitting HPV ( or other infection ) is abstention, even more unrealistic for most people !



• However, sensible behaviour - being careful and monogamous, and remembering that excess alcohol and smoking are other risk factors - can reduce chances of warts or cancer arising from HPV exposure. The HPV vaccine should also give future protection against cancers caused by this virus.



• Even if behaviour HAS been risky over the past few years, most people eliminate HPV before it harms them. It would still be sensible to look for signs / symptoms ( non-healing and / or bleeding ulcer of mouth or lips ; persisting red / white patches in the mouth or throat ; pain or numbness in the mouth ) and attend a doctor or dentist. Early diagnosis is vital, as with so many other conditions.