On 23/9, Dr. Nguyen Tien Thanh of the Vietnam Dermatology Association, reported a case of a 23-year-old woman who had engaged in oral sex with a new boyfriend a month prior to her hospital visit. Believing oral sex to be safe, she did not use any protection.
Initially, she assumed it was a simple canker sore due to heat and self-treated with topical medication. Weeks later, the ulcer healed, but unusual small, soft bumps appeared, prompting her to seek medical attention.
The doctor diagnosed genital warts in her mouth. "This is an uncommon location, especially in young people who engage in unprotected oral sex," Dr. Thanh stated.
Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are most commonly found on the genitals. However, they can also appear on the lips, tongue, throat, and even the eyes and nose. The virus can be transmitted through direct contact between broken mucous membranes and HPV-containing secretions.
Minor mouth ulcers, scratches from eating or brushing teeth, or other mucosal damage can facilitate viral entry. Notably, oral sex, often perceived as safe by young people, carries a significant risk of disease transmission. The patient received antiviral medication and is now stable.
Oral genital warts often present subtly, initially as a minor ulcer, mimicking a common canker sore. Later, soft, pink, painless wart-like growths develop. Due to the mild symptoms, many individuals delay seeking medical help until the lesions spread, complicating treatment.
The prevalence of oral sex among young people is increasing. Many mistakenly believe it to be "safer" than traditional intercourse, but the risk of transmitting HPV, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, and other infections through oral contact remains substantial. Numerous cases present at hospitals with advanced lesions in multiple locations, including some men with genital warts in the throat, causing painful swallowing.
Untreated genital warts can recur, causing anxiety, impacting daily life, sexual activity, and family well-being. More seriously, some HPV strains are linked to cancers of the throat, cervix, penis, and anus.
Doctors recommend using condoms even during oral sex, especially with partners of unknown health status. Avoid sexual activity if you have mouth sores, bleeding, or infections. HPV vaccination is a proactive measure to reduce the risk and is recommended for both men and women within the recommended age range.
Any persistent oral lesions, such as slow-healing ulcers, warts, or white patches, should be examined by a medical professional.
Thuy Quynh
