I think the cancer stuff is bunk. There are cases of people getting infections in their throat though but there are also transmissions that occur through just kissing so it's never risk free. The big STIs (except for AIDS) are very treatable. So it's advisable to get tested regularly even if you use a condom every time.
The cancer association is very real. The same types of human papilloma virus (HPV) that cause cervical cancer also cause oral cancers. IIRC the number of non-cervical HPV-related cancers was higher than cervical HPV-related cancers.
The cervical cancer vaccine (e.g. gardasil and the other ones) would prevent it if given prior to HPV infection.
Since HPV can be transmitted through contact of mucosal surfaces and no one wears a barrier on the inside of their mouth I find exclusive association of oral sex and cancer not completely convincing. To me, trying to prevent exposure to HPV is a kind of theater like the security theater at airports.
The effective preventative measure for HPV is like you said vaccination anyway.
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I think the cancer stuff is bunk. There are cases of people getting infections in their throat though but there are also transmissions that occur through just kissing so it's never risk free. The big STIs (except for AIDS) are very treatable. So it's advisable to get tested regularly even if you use a condom every time.
The cancer association is very real. The same types of human papilloma virus (HPV) that cause cervical cancer also cause oral cancers. IIRC the number of non-cervical HPV-related cancers was higher than cervical HPV-related cancers.
The cervical cancer vaccine (e.g. gardasil and the other ones) would prevent it if given prior to HPV infection.
Since HPV can be transmitted through contact of mucosal surfaces and no one wears a barrier on the inside of their mouth I find exclusive association of oral sex and cancer not completely convincing. To me, trying to prevent exposure to HPV is a kind of theater like the security theater at airports.
The effective preventative measure for HPV is like you said vaccination anyway.
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That's a question for a doctor Mr. Head.