As if getting a regular old STD or HIV wasn't a bad enough concern, now researchers have made the connection between a rise in cases of throat cancer in men and oral sex!
The HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) virus that causes cervical cancer in women is to blame. It is this virus that is showing up in oropharyngeal cancer cases. The link is that men are performing oral sex on HPV positive women.
Gardasil, a vaccine developed by Merck Pharmaceuticals (and recently highlighted in the Republican debates because of Rick Perry's attempt to force 12-year old girls in Texas to receive this vaccination by executive order ~ which was overturned by a Texas court as unconstitutional) was designed to prevent the HPV virus from developing in teen girls, but it is not known whether or not it can do the same for boys. There are no current plans by Merck to conduct a study.
"While HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection, studies show women's bodies usually clear the virus from the cervix quickly; only an infection that persists for years is a cancer risk. Read more: http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/article/Cervical-cancer-virus-fuels-oral-cancer-type-too-2200637.php#ixzz1ZrzCLIRR)
Here's the skinny on all of this information. Like with any other STD concern, take precautions. This is why the oral condom was created. It works both ways. There are oral condoms for men, and for women. Unless you are in a monogamous relationship with someone and the female in the relationship has been tested by her GYN for HPV, don't risk it for a moment of pleasure.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Between the number of cases of breast cancer and the rising number of cases of oral cancer in both men and women, it is imperative to get checked regularly. Make an appointment today.
GYN Physicians in San Antonio.
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In addition to this local column, and her work as a Freelance Journalist in San Antonio, Michele Gwynn is also the National Animal Rights Examiner. Her love of pets began at an early age with a stray cat named Harvey, and a dying field mouse named Tucker. She is a pet parent to four cats, and an animal rights champion to all critters, large and small. Visit her animal rights column here.
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