Is my throat discomfort related to my HPV exposure?

Question

Hello doctor,

Two years ago, my boyfriend developed small HPV-related warts. The doctor told him that factors like low immunity and continuous stress may have contributed to the warts appearing. They were treated with laser removal, and he also took vitamin supplements for about three months. The warts have not returned since then.

Around three months before he developed the warts, we had oral sex (I performed oral sex on him).

Now, two years later, I have been experiencing a very mild, random stinging sensation in my throat for about three weeks. It happens only a few times a day and is not severe, but I am feeling very anxious and worried that it could be related to his previous low-risk HPV infection.

At the same time, my wisdom teeth have recently started growing, and I am wondering if that could be causing the throat discomfort instead.

Please suggest.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for reaching out.

I understand why this situation is causing concern, especially given your boyfriend’s previous history of HPV (Human papillomavirus infection)-related warts and the timing of your oral exposure.

Based on what you have described, the possibility that your current throat sensation is related to HPV from that single oral exposure two years ago appears to be extremely low, particularly since your partner’s warts were treated and have not returned.

Low-risk HPV types that cause genital warts are generally associated with warts rather than serious throat disease.

Also, oral HPV infections usually do not cause symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they are more likely to involve visible growths or persistent changes rather than a very mild, occasional stinging sensation that comes and goes a few times a day.

Your current throat discomfort for about three weeks sounds more consistent with other common causes, such as:

Throat irritation from post-nasal drip (mucus dripping from the nose into the throat) or mild throat inflammation.
Referred discomfort from your wisdom teeth starting to erupt or irritation of the surrounding gums.
Acid reflux, which can sometimes irritate the throat even without obvious heartburn.
Increased awareness of normal throat sensations during periods of stress or anxiety.

At this stage, your symptoms do not strongly suggest HPV. If there are no visible lesions, lumps, or unusual changes in your mouth or throat, reassurance is appropriate.

However, it would be a good idea to seek an evaluation from an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist or dentist if the sensation continues beyond three to four weeks, becomes worse, or if you develop symptoms such as a persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, voice changes, unexplained bleeding, or a growth that does not heal.

For now,

Staying hydrated.
Try warm salt-water gargles.
Maintaining good oral hygiene.
Getting your wisdom teeth checked can be helpful.

Given that your wisdom teeth have recently started growing, a dental evaluation may be especially useful to see if they are contributing to the throat discomfort.

I hope this helps.

Please revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.