Questions about HPV and oral cancers

[concerned2406]

I had a LEEP procedure in July of 2008, after showing mild to moderate dysplasia on my cervix.

I'm in a monogamous relationship and have only had one sexual partner, my husband.

Recently I read an article reporting that there is a link between HPV infection and oral cancers.

My questions are:
  1)  How would I know if I still have active HPV?
  2)  What are the risks to my husband and children?  Especially in terms of everyday activities like kissing, sharing utensils, etc.?
  3)  Should I be tested for oral cancers?  Am I at higher risk since I've had HPV on my cervix?

Thank you.

[Naveed777]

1) It's a complex question but experts believe that if you don't have any visible warts caused by low risk strain of hpv for 6 months after the treatment, it is likely that your body's immune system has taken control over it and you are no more infected... For high risk strains those cause cervical cell changes, you still need to follow up with paps... Usually, once a LEEP is successfull and your paps remain normal for certain years, it's most likely that your immune has taken control over it as well... But it doesn't mean that you can discontinue having paps... hpv is not the only cause for abnormal paps...

2) You should get your visible warts treated first because visible warts are highly contagious... hpv doesn't spread with causal contacts but it can spread through skin-to-skin contact directly with the hpv wart... There are no health issues related to men with hpv... There are no tests for men to diagnose hpv... the only way they know is by seeing a visible wart... Men cannot know they've high risk strain and even if they've there are not at any serious health risk... Majority of people get rid of hpv infections within a period of 6-24 months...

3) HPV strains those cause cell abnormalities on your cervix are not those associated with oral hpv... oral hpv is extremely uncommon and rare... you shouldn't worry about that...