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Oral HPV exposure causing Acid Reflux symptoms?

I've been struggling with GERD symptoms for nearly three years that started two days after male on female oral sex with a new one time partner.  Initially the problem was manifesting as a sore throat that has now moved to diaphragm and throat combination. I have lost about 20 lbs and have tried to gain to no avail.  I visited the STD clinic at Harborview and was tested for everything at the time in 2011. I explained the onset of symptoms following the sexual episode but they could not see how the two could be linked.  Since then I have also explained it to three gastro doctors and they do not see a link.  Considering the treatments have not worked very well and a recent upper endoscopy is showing problems developing with esophagus and bile in stomach I'm growing concerned and hoping you can help.  I understand from reading your posts that the immune system can clear most HPV infections in a matter of months.  I look forward to any insight that you can provide and if you would recommend any tests for HPV or any other possible culprits such as candida.

Similar issue found online:
Hi, i am a male, with HPV high risk type in my throat (detected by Dygene DNA test). After I gave oral sex to my female partner I developed GERD symptoms in about 2 days and since then it has been more than 1 year and its just getting worse. I saw another post earlier from another man with the same issue but seemed to be dismissed away. I am convinced that the oral sex was my trigger point to cause the GERD manifestation. I know it sounds wierd but would it have anything to do with my HPV positive status, or could it be a candida infection which resulted post the oral sex (logic being female vagina naturally does have yeast/fungal content)? Would really appreciate if anyone with a logical explanation or experience in this can shed some light. Utlimately, i really want to get to solving the root cause of my GERD (rather than taking antacids/PPIs, etc). Thanks!
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239123 tn?1267647614
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Your concern about throat cancer is unfounded.  One type of HPV (only one, HPV16) indeed causes throat cancer.  But throat cancer remains quite rare, despite what might be assumed from recent publicity e.g. Mr. Douglas' case. And it certainly doesn't cause GERD or symptoms of that sort.  There is no reason for you to be tested for oral HPV, and no validated, approved tests are available; and neither a positive nor negative result would make any difference in your health care, nor in predictions your risk for future cancer.

There is no reason to suspect that H pylori is transmitted by oral sex, and in any case, apparently you don't have it.

Trust me on this:  your GERD has absolutely nothing to do with HPV, any other STD, or your past sexual exposures.  Your are wasting your time and emotional energy to be barking up those trees.

That will end this thread. Best wishes.
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Avatar universal
I appreciate your reassurance as you have helped me greatly in the past and you have always been right.  In this case I feel like I could be dealing with something that is rare.  I have read that HPV can lead to cancer in the throat and Michael Douglas is a recent example of that so it seems possible that the changes that occur could lead to larynx/esophageal symptoms, Thus I would rather test to see if anything is present to rule it out so that I can move on.  I understand that you gauge things based on probability.  I realize that it's unlikely but I'm wondering if it's possible.  If I wanted to get tested for HPV would it still show three years later and what test would I request?  What kind of doctor would I see to explore this side of things? I recall reading that oral sex is virtually safe sex but not quite 100% safe.  One of the culprits that I thought it could be is H Pylori, but I've tested negative via biopsy and stool but have not done the breath test, do you know if it can be transmitted via oral sex?

This will be all...Thank you

Helpful - 0
239123 tn?1267647614
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to the forum.

Reacting first to the title of your question:  HPV does not cause GERD, nor does it affect the severity of symptoms from GERD.

Now having looked at the details of your question, I remain just as convinced as your own doctors that oral HPV has absolutely nothing to do with your GERD, and that your GERD absolutely was not caused in any way by the sexual event that preceded its onset -- just a coicidence in timing.

The other report you found online is obviously just another person who fears a connection because of the timing of symptoms.  That kind of "evidence" is useless and should be ignored.

I recmmmend no testing for HPV or any other STD.

Regards--  HHH, MD
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