HSV-1, Unprotected fellatio, and HPV

[Holden43]

Hello Doctor,
I’ve searched the web and this is really a unique resource. First, I have some more general questions. I’ve read about the risk of contracting STD’s to the male receiving partner involved in unprotected fellatio. It seems that this is generally considered safe although there is some small risk. As I’ve read, the highest risk involved to the male receiving partner is the transmission of HSV-1. This seems to be risky only when an oral outbreak is present on the giving partner. I know that oral herpes is common, as many web sources state. I am unsure why oral sex can be considered safe if oral herpes is so common.

Question 1: How likely is it that oral herpes, among those who have it, is present in the population in the prodome or symptomatic stage?

If oral herpes was mostly at risk of being transmitted during the symptomatic stage then a preventative measure to acquiring it would be to check for signs of an HSV-1 on the partner prior to fellatio. I’ve read that oral herpes is almost exclusively found outside of the mouth, on or around the lips.

Question 2: Is it most likely that oral herpes will be visible outside of the mouth, on or around the lips during an outbreak? Could it be present inside the lips, such as where the lip touches the gums?

I’ve read threads where males have contracted oral herpes during unprotected fellatio from HSV-1 positive partners but it was before an outbreak occurred on the partner. It seems, in theses cases, the oral herpes eluded visual detection. So, assuming HSV-1 is a relatively higher STD risk factor in unprotected fellatio and is mostly at risk of being contracted if a visible outbreak is present, I have general question about unprotected fellatio.

Question 3: If the partner giving fellatio were to show no visible signs of oral herpes on the lips or outside of the mouth, would there be a near zero risk of contracting an STD during unprotected fellatio?

Now I have a more personal and specific questions. About three years ago I had brief, unprotected, vaginal sex with a female. This is the only unprotected sex vaginal sex I have had. Later, I found out that this woman has cervical cancer. I know that HPV is a precursor to cervical cancer. I don’t know if her cervical cancer is due to HPV.  I have had no signs of warts and have read that warts aren’t associated with that strain of HPV anyway. However, I know that HPV can cause anal cancer in men. One symptom of anal cancer is bleeding during bowel movements. I often have blood appear on the tissue paper after a bowel movement. At least once a month there is blood present in the toilette water after a bowel movement. The stool doesn’t seem to be misshapen (a symptom of anal cancer). I’ve been treating this as an internal hemorrhoid. It seems as though HPV resulting in anal cancer is due to anal sexual encounters, such as with homosexual men.

Question 4: Is anal cancer, as a result of HPV, typically more associated with anal sex, such as with homosexual men, or could it develop from an HPV infection anywhere?

I’ve read that rectal bleeding can be the result of many things; however, the connection to HPV is there.

Question 5: I wanted to know, based on the circumstances, how likely you think it is that I have anal cancer as a result of HPV?

Question 6: Can the HPV that causes anal cancer, but no other symptoms, spread through protected vaginal sex?

Question 7: Is there any test for HPV in men?

Question 8: Should I see my PCP about the bloody stool? I’ve been using Preparation H.

Thank you for your time and patience. I’ve tried to format these questions so that they may be useful to other viewers. Please identify any misunderstandings that I may have.

-Holden

[CRI]

Hey man, Im not a doctor but I can relate to your topic as I have ONLY had insertive oral sex ( I am a virgin) a year and a half ago.

Ill start off by sayin dont worry about HPV. Guys don't have to worry about that unless you have genital warts which you don't. You can't test for it as HPV can only be detected by women right now, so drop that. HPV is out the window. A man can't get cervical cancer.

As far as anal cancer, dude only gay men with HPV worry about it. Unless you have received anal sex (which you haven't) drop HPV.

You can't get HIV from oral sex. drop it.

Last month I went to see the college doc and he said the only thing that he really treats in regard to oral sex is throat gonnorhea (person giving). So there ya go.

In terms of HSV1, as I worried to DEATH over it he said that 90% of people have hsv1. 90%. So you more than likely already have it orally.

In the end when it comes to it oral sex is very safe. HSV1 is all you have to worry about and since 90% of the population has it you won't get it genitally unless you are part of that unlucky 10%. Even if you did test it wouldn't tell you where it is.

My advice go to a doc and ask him/her. He/she will laugh call you a doc in training and probably won't even test you. Mine didn't.

HSV1 is so common even if youve never had a cold sore.

How's that Holden?

[Holden43]

I’ve posted a question to the doctor and have received a response.
Thanks.